Culinary Event Celebrates Black Women’s Impact on Food

News Summary

Asheville will host a presentation on February 26, celebrating the vital contributions of Black women in culinary traditions. Renowned author Psyche Williams-Forson will lead the event, exploring how food has served as a form of empowerment and identity. Chef Ashleigh Shanti will also be featured, showcasing her modern fish camp and acclaimed cookbook. This engaging experience will highlight the historical and contemporary influence of Black women in Southern cuisine, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a rich culinary conversation.

Exciting Culinary Event Highlights Black Women’s Influence in Food

Asheville is gearing up for a truly inspirational event that focuses on the pivotal role Black women have played in shaping culinary traditions in the South and beyond. Scheduled for February 26 at 6 p.m., this captivating presentation will be held at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in the Blue Ridge Room of Highsmith Union.

A Unique Perspective Presented by an Expert

The evening will feature a presentation by Psyche Williams-Forson, a distinguished author and professor recognized for her deep understanding of food culture. Currently the chair of the Department of American Studies at the University of Maryland College Park, she has authored several significant books that address the intricacies of food and race in America. Her latest work, “Eating While Black,” won a 2023 James Beard Media Award, catching the attention of food enthusiasts and scholars alike. Attendees will be treated to a rich exploration of how Black women have used food not only to express their identities but also as a means of empowerment in various public and private arenas.

Immerse Yourself in an Engaging Experience

What makes this presentation even more exciting is its immersive nature! Expect a dynamic experience enhanced by sound, virtual, visual, and written evidence. Williams-Forson’s approach will showcase the multifaceted labor of Black women in food, illustrating their considerable influence that stretches across generations. Through this engaging discussion, participants will have the chance to learn about the historical and contemporary impacts of these culinary trailblazers.

A Culinary Gem from Asheville: Meet Ashleigh Shanti

The spotlight doesn’t just shine on Williams-Forson; Ashleigh Shanti will also be a key figure during this momentous event. A renowned chef and a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef, Shanti owns Good Hot Fish, a modern fish camp in Asheville’s historically Black business district. Just last month, she released her highly-anticipated cookbook, “Our South: Black Food Through My Lens,” which invites readers into the rich and diverse world of regional Black cuisine. The cookbook boasts 125 flavorful recipes and stunning photography, expertly curated around five unique southern micro-regions.

Documenting Culinary Heritage

Shanti has been on a mission to counter common misconceptions about Black cooking. Through her cookbook, she emphasizes the need to celebrate the diversity and complexity of Black foodways while paying homage to rich culinary traditions. Another driving force for her work is the importance of documenting family recipes, something she believes is vital for preserving culture. Drawing from her own background, she intertwines her Black, queer identity with Southern culinary traditions, demonstrating how food can evoke profound emotional connections and sense of community.

Join in the Culinary Conversation

This event is part of the “Thomas Howerton Diverse Roots at the Common Table: Culinary Conversations in the American South” series, shining a light on the many flavors and voices that contribute to Southern heritage. Attendance is free and open to everyone, but don’t forget to register in advance to secure your spot. Plus, be sure to check out the offerings from Malaprop’s bookstore, which will be on-site selling Williams-Forson and Shanti’s books—perfect for anyone hoping to explore these incredible culinary narratives further.

Stay Connected

If you want to learn more about this exciting event, simply visit the UNCA website for additional details. This is surely an evening you won’t want to miss, filled with rich dialogue celebrating the indelible mark Black women have made on the culinary landscape. Come curious and ready to engage with food, culture, and identity in an extraordinary way!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville Hosts Public Meetings for Disaster Recovery Input
Chocolatier Timothy Maguire to Delight at Grammy Awards
Lunar New Year Celebrations Set to Light Up Asheville
Asheville Chefs Shine in 2025 James Beard Awards Semifinals
February Events to Experience in Asheville
Asheville’s Water History Unveiled in New Book
Asheville Unites in Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts
Supporting Asheville’s Small Businesses: A Holiday Call to Action
Asheville, North Carolina Faces Catastrophe After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Implements Recovery Plan After Hurricane Helene

Additional Resources

• Civil Eats: New Southern Cookbook Challenges Simplified Notions of Black Cuisine
• Eater: Ashleigh Shanti Cookbook
• The New York Times: Chef Ashleigh Shanti Cookbook
• Travel + Leisure: Ashleigh Shanti Restaurant Asheville
• Wikipedia: Southern Cuisine