Barbeques and Fish Fries: The African American Contribution to the American Culinary Experience

African Americans have played a defining role in the development of American food and cuisine. Many of the foods we know and love today are the result of Africans' culture. Often, seeds were covertly braided into women's hair for future food security before they were loaded onto ships, or seeds were stored on ships to feed enslaved people across the Atlantic passage. 

This forever made an impact on American culinary culture, and many of the foods and cooking methods we use today are the result. In this program, learn about the tremendous impact and influence African Americans have had on our food, particularly the "Southern" foods. Learn what "soul food" is, where it came from, and try a sample if you want!

Plants indigenous to Africa, and that play a part in African diet--and ours-- will be given away as door prizes, for you to grow your own piece of African American history and culture!