Filthy Rich Banana Pudding Reforming the Community
Filthy Rich Banana Pudding is a black-owned specialty dessert business located in Long Beach. Owner LaTanya Ward makes the pudding from her Long Beach apartment every week.
It takes her ten hours to prepare a week's worth of banana pudding but she loves each part of the process.
Ward’s menu consists of six flavors of pudding which include original, oreo, toffee, caramel, strawberry and peach cobbler. The business is labeled as a mobile dessert vendor but Ward strives to produce the most exceptional taste and quality in the pudding. All six flavors are equally delicious and deserve to be tried. Additionally, purchases go toward strengthening the Long Beach community.
Filthy Rich Banana Pudding logo. Courtesy of filthyrichbananapudding.com
Ward began Filthy Rich Banana Pudding in 2014 with the goal of making social justice reforms in Long Beach. Ward has suffered consequences from being a victim of system-impacted gang related activities.
“I have been to jail and prison and it’s crucial that I put the people who still live this lifestyle in the front of my mind and show them that we can choose,” Ward said.
When Ward got out of prison, after serving her two-year prison sentence for marijuana possession, she quickly got her life back together and went back to school to get a degree in economic development and community planning. Ward worked and completed internships in her community which led her to discover her passion.
Ward remembers that there were little to no tools at her disposal when she got out of prison. Getting back on her feet was hard and she didn't know where to start nor who to turn to. Because of this, Ward’s goal is to give resources to those who have been victims of the social systems. Specifically, individuals who desire to get their life back together.
“I want to be known for good and I want to be an inspiration,” Ward said.
LaTanya Ward serving up pudding from her pop-up. Courtesy of @filthyrichbananapudding on Instagram
What makes her an inspiration to others is the dedication she has for making changes in her community and the love she has for her business. Ward uses the funds she earns through Filthy Rich Banana Pudding to operate programs that focus on reforming former Black gang members.
One of the programs that Ward funds is called Gaining Unity Through Transformation (GUTT) where members gather in healing circles and partake in different exercises and games that encourage reform. GUTT circles happen every weekend and are used for people who are trying to become better versions of themselves and need assistance.
In addition to this, Ward has also kickstarted her own nonprofit organization called We Are Responsible For One Another (WARFOA). Ward’s hopes that this organization will help young Black ex-gang members in any stage of assistance they need including healing, education, violence prevention and workforce development.
Filthy Rich Banana Pudding is what has allowed Ward to pursue her community service efforts. Her community reform programs are only made possible through the community’s support for her business and for that she is incredibly grateful.
Explore the menu and place your order with Filthy Rich Banana Pudding now. You can also find Ward on Instagram @filthyrichbananapudding.