The African Influence on American Food

Learn about the history of African food in America from activist and longtime chef Valerie Erwin, whose presentation will reveal a more nuanced story than popular conceptions of the “soul food” narrative.

This program will weave together many threads: dishes nearly unchanged from the continent to the cruel new world, dishes adapted to accommodate new ingredients and circumstances, and new dishes invented in the Americas.

Participants will also be able to sample benne wafers, a traditional cookie from the Low Country, prepared by chef Valerie.

About Valerie Erwin: For 12 years Valerie owned the critically acclaimed Geechee Girl Rice Cafe. Geechee Girl showcased the food of the Low Country—the coast of South Carolina and Georgia—where her grandparents were born. Operating Geechee Girl gave Valerie the opportunity to explore the cooking of the African diaspora, which had been virtually ignored in the culinary world. Since closing Geechee Girl, Valerie has managed various types of culinary projects, given talks and cooking classes, and served on nonprofit boards. She is currently the program manager of Farm to Families—a produce access program in Philadelphia.