Black History Month: Food & History
This week to celebrate Black History Month we have a list of cookbooks by Black authors that you can check out at our library, a list of books that talk about Black history and food, and some podcasts to listen to while you are cooking!
Cookbooks by Black Authors
History of Food
Podcasts
Here are some episodes and podcasts that you can listen to while cooking! Learn the history of food and racism, and listen to the voices of current Black chef’s that discuss their relationship to food and the culinary industry.
“In June 2020, Quaker Oats announced they were changing the name and label of their “Aunt Jemima” products, that were specifically created to provide that sense of nostalgia drawn from the long, racist history of Black women who were bound to serve white families. This episode explores that history, and goes back further to consider how even the staple foods of Southern cuisine originated in the horrors of slavery.”
“The food of the South is one of the most complicated, complex, contradictory cuisines in the U.S. This is the region is where food born in violence and slavery led to delicious, nutritious dishes. In this episode, authors Michael Twitty and John T. Edge, two of the nation’s leading voices on Southern food, take listeners on a tour through their shared history.”
“Soul by Chef Todd Richards is a new podcast from HRN that explores the roots of southern food throughout the country and why food itself is a religious experience. Soul takes the understanding of Southern Food – and it’s own soul – a few steps further as we lift up Black voices in the industry and around the world.”
“The Walk-In considers the reality of “making it” in the culinary industry. Elle, who is a mentor to many women of color chefs, explores the unheard stories of the food world’s difference makers – including chefs, writers, entrepreneurs, and media personalities. What really happens between their first day and overnight success?”
Upcoming Virtual Events
- All Month
- Music of Florence Price (DIA @Home)
- Films of Reverend Solomon Sir Jones (DIA @Home)
- February 15
- Short Films of Kristain R. Hill (DIA @Home)
- February 16
- February Anti-Racism Book Discussion (Baltimore County Public Library)
- Hughie Lee-Smith: A Detroit Story (DIA @Home)
- Exploring Inclusion in the Workplace (Oakland University)
- February 17
- Good for Your Soul: A Cooking Show (Langston Hughes Library)
- February 18
- Black History Month Brain Health Webinar (UH Otis Moss Jr. Health Center)
- Black Enough – Flourish (Pompano Beach Cultural Center)
- Black Women Rock (Oakland University)
- February 19
- Nationtime Film (DIA @Home)
- February 20
- Listen, Look: A Reconciliatory Journey Through Black Grief and Joy (The Griot Museum of Black History)
- Rhythm & Blues Presents: A Panel Discussion (Idea Exchange)
- February 21
- African Americans in STEM Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon (African American History and Culture Museum)
- Black to the Future 2 – Black in the Habit (For the Culture)
- February 22
- The United States Vs. Billie Holiday Screening Discussion (African American History and Culture Museum)
- February 23
- Black History Month Educator Workshop (DIA @Home)
- Broken Heart of America: Walter Johnson in Conversation with Cornel West (Mahindra Humanities Center)
- Historically Speaking: The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the African American Community (African American History and Culture Museum)
- February 24
- Good for Your Soul: A Cooking Show (Langston Hughes Library)
- Wind Down Wednesday: Good Trouble (Smithsonian Portrait Gallery)