AMERICAN SOUL: An Evening with Anela Malik, Renae Wilson, and Nina Oduro

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Delve into foodways of the United States, including testimonies from more than 30 Black chefs, restaurateurs, historians and luminaries, as well as 40 historically-rooted recipes. Equal parts historical exploration and cookbook, this rich narrative reveals the rich and indelible contributions of the Black diaspora in shaping the footprint of American cuisine.

This illuminating narrative from Anela Malik, the voice behind the popular Feed the Malik, tracks the development of American cuisine from the days of the trans-Atlantic slave trade to modern history. This captivating journey through the culinary history of the United States includes:

• Deep-rooted history from crop migration from West Africa to the chitlin' circuit of the Civil Rights Movement to the modern-day fried chicken sandwich craze.
• Voices in food, with reflections and profiles of more than 30 Black chefs and culinary luminaries including Jessica B. Harris, Cheryl Day, and BJ Dennis.
• Illustrated maps and more than 150 photographs illustrating the country's rich culinary past, regional foodways, historical rice growing regions, barbecue trends, and more
• And 40 recipes from southern skillet cornbread and macaroni and cheese to jerk pork lumpia and blackberry cobbler.

With nuance and empathy, Anela reveals the unrecognized Black roots of some of the most iconic American food traditions and provides a deeper understanding of the profound yet hidden contributions of the Black community to American cuisine.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

ANELA MALIK (AUTHOR)

Anela Malik is an award-winning influencer, videographer, host, and writer who focuses on embracing nuance, imperfection, and joy on her platform @FeedTheMalik. Anela's work explores topics ranging from the role of food in our lives and relationships to cultural expectations related to dining and travel to, with a particular emphasis on the Black diaspora, Black-owned businesses, and Black stories. Anela is also a curious traveler, perpetual language student, awkward dancer, and curse word connoisseur.

RENAE WILSON (RECIPE DEVELOPER)

Renae Wilson is a culinary storyteller with a heart rooted in the South and a life seasoned by adventure. Born in South Carolina and shaped by her East Texas family roots, she’s a U.S. Navy veteran who found her true calling in the kitchen. After honing her skills at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, Renae has worn many hats: private chef, cookbook tester, caterer, and magazine test kitchen wizard. Her "Dear Henry" pop-ups in Brooklyn are a love letter to Southern cooking, where every dish is a blend of soul, tradition, warmth with a touch of razzle-dazzle.

NINA ODURO (MODERATOR)

Nina Oduro is an entrepreneur, author, and culinary curator. As co-founder and CEO of Dine Diaspora, she connects people and brands to food rooted in culture and sustainability. Her accolades include recognition as a 2020 Change-maker in Washington, D.C.’s Food System by Washington City Paper. She has collaborated with Chef Alexander Smalls on co-authoring of The Contemporary African Kitchen.