07/16/2026
Soccer has a way of bringing the world together. Fans gather to cheer for their favorite teams, celebrate different cultures, and enjoy great food along the way. One of the most popular game-day favorites? Ranch dressing.
But did you know the story behind one of America's most iconic flavors?
In the early 1950s, Stephen Henson, a Black entrepreneur, and his wife, Gayle, purchased a ranch near Santa Barbara, California called Hidden Valley Ranch. Stephen had perfected a creamy buttermilk dressing recipe while working as a plumbing contractor in Alaska, where he served it to coworkers. After moving to California, guests at Hidden Valley Ranch loved the dressing so much that they began asking for it to take home.
The Hensons started packaging the seasoning mix and mailing it across the country. As demand grew, Hidden Valley Ranch became a household name, eventually becoming the best-selling ranch dressing in America. Today, millions of people enjoy its unmistakable flavor, often without knowing the story of the man behind it.
At Unity in History, we believe these hidden stories deserve to be remembered. By preserving and sharing the contributions of African Americans like Stephen Henson, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.
Help us continue this important work by supporting our nonprofit. Every donation helps us uncover and share stories that deserve to be told.
Donate today:
https://juneteenthpowdersprings.org/in-kind-donations -a-donation
