Last May, Oakland resident Jennifer Schulte was dubbed “BBQ Becky” after video of her calling police on two black families for using charcoal grills in a park went viral. The incident sparked conversation about the phenomenon of white people calling the police on Black people over interpersonal run-ins that are observably less dangerous than how they describe them to 911 dispatchers.
Those conversations have only intensified in the weeks since the infamous BBQ Becky. The hashtags #BBQingWhileBlack and #CookingOutWhileBlack have been used to call attention to similar incidents. And a picture of a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Schulte has been Photoshopped into various black history moments, from MLK’s I Have a Dream speech to the Black Panther movie premiere.
It’s become a regular feature on social media, one that has spurred conversation and anger over how the resemblance has been used. But even if a woman really does bear a striking resemblance to Schulte, that doesn’t necessarily mean that she is BBQ Becky. The truth is, the term “BBQ” actually refers to a type of cooking method. Grilling involves heating food over high heat for short periods of time, while smoking involves slow cooking with indirect heat.
And even if Schulte does indeed resemble the picture, she wouldn’t be able to cook burgers and chicken over a grill that’s not plugged in or using propane gas. That’s because you have to have the right equipment to do a barbecue, and you can’t use just any old grill.
Camp Chef Competition Blend BBQ Pellets, Hardwood Pellets for Grill, Smoke, Bake, Roast, Braise and BBQ, 20 lb. Bag
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Cuisinart 6.5" Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press, Round Flat Edge Grill Press for Crispy Smash Burgers, Burger Tool for Grill and Griddle Accessories, for BBQs and Tailgates
$22.99 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Weber Aluminum Drip Pans, 7.5 x 5 Inch, Set of 10
$10.99 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Whaleme 50-Pack Blackstone Griddle Accessories 5017 Grease Cup Liners, Aluminum Foil Drip Pan Grease Catcher Cup Liner for Blackstone 17, 22, 28, 36 Inch Griddle, Disposable Grill Grease Tray
$15.99 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Blackstone 4114 Griddle Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner, 6.5 Ounce
$9.49 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper Bristle Free - Safe BBQ Brush for Grill -Stainless Grill Grate Cleaner - Safe Grill Accessories for Porcelain/Weber Gas/Charcoal Grill - Gifts for Grill Wizard/Men/Dad
$24.99 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Griddle Cleaning Kit for Blackstone, Flat Top Grill Cleaning Kit with Grill Stone, Griddle Scraper & Griddle Brush Easy to Remove Stain
$15.79 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Firsgrill Burger Press 7.08" Round & 8.3”X4.3”Rectangle Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Smash Meat Steak With Wood Handle for Blackstone Camp chef Pitboss Weber Treager Griddle Grills (Round & Rectangle)
$27.99 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling, 16 Pounds (Package May Vary)
$14.94 (as of August 22, 2025 19:40 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)