Innovative Foodies we love to Honor for Black History Month and beyond
Black History Month is here. Started in 1976, it is a time when we make space to pay homage to the rich, deep history of African Americans and celebrate their brilliance, perseverance, and invaluable contributions in our society. One aspect central to this history is food, which is as diverse and nuanced as the Black experience itself.
Since 2017, Black food bloggers and content creators have come together to celebrate this joyous occasion by contributing recipes to the Black History Month Virtual Potluck. This year there is an exciting change: The potluck is now branded under Eat the Culture. Founded by Meiko Temple of Meiko and the Dish, Eat the Culture was established to create community-centered spaces that nurture, support, and amplify Black culinary creators. In addition to collaborations like this potluck, the organization also offers educational resources, virtual courses, and live events to help creatives elevate their craft and amplify the culinary heritage across the African diaspora.
Today Mr. Lee Lee was featured in New York Live TV
Inspired by the theme “Afrofuturism Through Food.” A philosophical concept that emerged in the 1990s, Afrofuturism explores the Black diaspora via the intersection of imagination, culture, future, technology, and liberation. These inventive recipes stretch the confines of traditional Black diasporic ingredients, both celebrating the culinary ingenuity of our past and progressing us toward an innovative culinary future.
7 of our Team Favourites Black History Month - Eat Culture and The Joy of Baking 2022
"This Fonio Pound Cake With Hibiscus Glaze is an ode to my African roots and my love of experimenting with new flavors in unexpected ways. Don’t sleep on trying this one if you are looking for a new kitchen adventure! I have been participating in this Black History Month Virtual Potluck for a few years now. Each year, I learn new things about the African diaspora and the culture through the amazing food." —A Classic Twist
Photo by A Classic Twist
"When I think of Afrofuturism, the collard green reigns supreme. Afrofuturism, to me, is examining our food choices and our impact. It’s fighting food insecurity, eliminating food deserts, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, being mindful of climate change, and ensuring that ingredients are accessible and easy to source for people across the diaspora. It’s looking toward ingredients that can be grown in urban gardens and dense cities. It’s remembering our foodways, but also using the ingredients in new ways. This collard green hand pie recipe takes a traditional, accessible, affordable, and beloved ingredient and works it into something new." —A Girl Called Adri
Photo by A Girl Called Adri
"To this day, both sweet potatoes and peanuts are important cultural foods across the African diaspora. For me, Afrofuturism is about Black people having a platform to thrive in their own culture. I developed this recipe as a celebration of Black history and a way to connect with forgotten African ancestry through food." —Big Delicious Life
Photo by Big Delicious Life
"Growing up, biscuits were our after-church meal. My mother would crack open the can, throw them in her Corningware dish, then cook them until they were golden brown. My sister and I would then fight over who got the middle biscuit, both preferring the soft edges. While my working mother did not have the time to create homemade biscuits, she still curated a tradition that holds a special place in my heart." —Black Girls Who Brunch
Photo by Black Girls Who Brunch
"Fried Plantains With Poulet DG (Directeur Général) is a super flavorful African meal featuring fried plantains, chicken, and vegetables in a tasty herb sauce inspired by French cuisine. Fancy and delicious, this dish is traditionally reserved for special occasions. Cameroonians (my peeps) call this the ultimate chicken dish because it’s so much better than other chicken meals." —Black People's Recipes
Photo by Black Peoples Recipes
"Bobó de Camarão is a Brazilian shrimp stew from the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia, a region rich in history, flavors, and beauty. Bahia is at the center of Brazil’s culinary scene and is home to our most popular and iconic dishes like moquecas, vatapás, this bobó de camarão, and many others. It’s a real culinary treasure! Bahia is known as Brazil’s most African state because of its strong cultural influence that truly defines local cuisine and lifestyle." —Brazilian Kitchen Abroad
Photo by Brazilian Kitchen Abroad
"Peanuts are used in so many different cultures in Africa. From curries to desserts, it's truly a staple ingredient. In addition, the cacao bean, which is the basis of chocolate, is grown in West Africa. I wanted to tie these ingredients into this salted caramel chocolate tart and also merge in some of my favorite things to make that I grew up eating." —Britney Breaks Bread
Photo by Britney Breaks Bread
We don't feel it's anything but a delicious suggestion to try one of these scrumptious dishes at least once a month for the rest of the year - why not? There is so much to celebrate within the African diaspora and indeed with the world of increasingly popular tastemakers from the most diverse kitchens near you.