A legendary Black-owned brand and one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs are joining forces to celebrate heritage, purpose, and forward momentum. As Select Brands LLC marks the 75th anniversary of Argia B’s MUMBO® SAUCE, the Chicago-based company is launching a meaningful new collaboration with Howard University Men’s Basketball, through the NIL Collective led by The Mecca Society.
The partnership aligns two powerful legacies built on excellence, resilience, and community impact. Structured as a brand revenue share, the collaboration supports Howard University student-athletes while amplifying a historic Black-owned food brand that has shaped American flavor culture for generations.
“This is such a meaningful way to honor 75 years of MUMBO and my dad’s memory,” says Allison Collins, CEO of Select Brands LLC. Her father, Argia B. Collins, left rural Mississippi with a belief that entrepreneurship could chart a new destiny—one built through discipline, creativity, and pride in one’s roots.
Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood became the birthplace of that dream. What began as a barbecue restaurant evolved into a culinary legacy across the city’s South Side. It was there, in 1950, that Argia B. Collins created MUMBO® SAUCE—drawing inspiration from the sweet and savory flavors of his Southern childhood and a dissatisfaction with mass-market barbecue sauces that lacked soul.
“Joining forces with The Mecca Society and Howard University’s men’s basketball team is a beautiful alignment of values and priorities,” Collins explains. “My dad loved basketball, and just like the HU Bison, he worked hard and demanded the best.”
For The Mecca Society, the partnership reflects a deliberate strategy to uplift Black-owned businesses that share Howard University’s mission of truth, service, and leadership. Eric Grant, board treasurer of The Mecca Society, notes that while Howard athletics enjoy a global reputation, securing equitable corporate partnerships requires intentional outreach.
“We seek out Black-owned businesses that share our foundational values and can meaningfully support student-athletes,” Grant says. “We found exactly that with Argia B’s MUMBO SAUCE—an inspiring history, authentic community commitment, and a brand that resonates culturally.”
The collaboration will see Howard University Men’s Basketball promote MUMBO® SAUCE throughout the season, with a portion of sales returning directly to support student-athletes. Unlike many Division I programs, Howard’s roster reflects the university’s academic rigor—where law students, doctoral candidates, and scholars compete at the highest athletic level.
“Howard student-athletes are students first,” Grant emphasizes. “This partnership is about supporting academic journeys and professional futures—not creating overnight millionaires.”
Even the team culture embraces the sauce. Head coach Kenny Blakeney is famously devoted to MUMBO®—from traditional barbecue pairings to unexpected favorites like eggs—making the partnership a natural fit both on and off the court.
For Allison Collins, stewarding her father’s legacy means honoring the past while embracing modern opportunities. “The world is radically different from when my dad first created MUMBO SAUCE,” she reflects. “But the values haven’t changed. We’ve grown and adapted, yet we remain true to our roots—authentic flavor, premium quality, and purpose-driven leadership. This partnership would mean everything to him.”
Partnership Highlights
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Celebrates the 75th anniversary of Argia B’s MUMBO SAUCE, founded in 1950
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Supports Howard University Men’s Basketball through NIL revenue sharing
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Amplifies Black-owned business legacy and HBCU excellence
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Reinforces student-athletes’ academic and professional development
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Connects culinary heritage with athletic leadership and community pride
About The Mecca Society
The Mecca Society is a nonprofit, alumni-led NIL collective supporting Howard University athletics and scholar-athletes by maximizing Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities while advancing academic success and institutional excellence.
About MUMBO® SAUCE
Crafted in 1950 by Argia B. Collins, MUMBO® SAUCE became a cultural staple defined by sweet, savory flavor and premium quality. Trademarked in 1957, the brand now reaches households nationwide with original, hickory smoke, and tangy hot varieties—standing as a timeless symbol of Black entrepreneurship and culinary innovation.
