African American Culinary Heritage

This four-week series is designed to honor and explore the history of African American culinary traditions. The curriculum is intended to inspire and empower healthful eating for the purpose of preventing and arresting chronic disease disproportionately affecting African Americans by connecting to culturally relevant recipes. The series recognizes the ancestral ties of West African foodways that were brought to the United States through the Middle Passage and the culinary traditions, such as soul food, developed by African Americans throughout their history in the United States. Classes will also help participants seeking to prevent or overcome high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans. Each class features a cooking demonstration of delicious, health-promoting dishes, along with handouts of easy and affordable recipes participants can prepare at home.

Featured Class Topics

• The Power of Your Plate
• Foods for a Healthy Heart
• Designing a Diet for Maximum Weight Control
• Making It Work for You