Afros and Knives

Toasting to Legacy: Victoria Butler and the Art of Tennessee Whiskey sponsored by Ten Speed Press

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:16:33 -0700

Hey everyone,

What a way to close out the season! For our final episode, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with a true history-maker, Queen Victoria Butler, the master blender behind the incredible Uncle Nearest whiskey.

If you’ve ever sipped on Uncle Nearest, you know it’s more than just whiskey—it’s joy, history, and legacy in a bottle. This conversation was everything I hoped for and more, and I walked away feeling so inspired.

Here are a few things from our chat that I can’t stop thinking about:

From the Department of Justice to Master Blender: Can you imagine leaving a long, successful career to step into a world you’ve never known? Queen Victoria shared her incredible journey of how she went from a stable government job to blending the first batch of Uncle Nearest 1884 whiskey just 60 days after joining the team. It’s a powerful reminder that our lives have many chapters, and it’s never too late to embrace a new calling.
Whiskey is in Her Blood: Queen Victoria is the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first-ever African American master distiller. She talked about how this legacy flows through her veins. While she didn’t have formal training, she trusted her palate, her curiosity, and the support of her team to grow into her role. It really makes you think about the gifts we inherit from our ancestors.
Leading with Joy: We talked about how Black women are so often portrayed through a lens of struggle. But the Uncle Nearest brand is built on joy, pride, and community. It’s a space where Black women are thriving, leading, and creating something beautiful. That joy is their secret ingredient, and you can truly feel it.
Building a Lasting Legacy: What does it mean to carry a legacy forward? Queen Victoria isn’t just preserving her great-great-grandfather’s story; she’s adding her own chapter as the first African American female master blender. We talked about what she hopes people will remember 100 years from now and how the family is already preparing the next generation to continue the tradition.

This conversation was the perfect blend of history, inspiration, and, of course, fantastic whiskey. It will challenge you to think about your own legacy and the magic you bring to the world.

Pour yourself a glass of something nice and tune in to the season finale. I promise you’ll love it.

Thank you so much for being part of the Afros and Knives community this season. It’s an honor to hold this space and share these sacred stories with you. I can’t wait to be back with you for the next one.

Take care, Tiffani

Episode Sponsor: Ten Speed Press

Jamila Norman’s Quest for Equity and Sustainability in the Urban Food System

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 13:54:38 -0700

Hey everyone,

This week on the Afros and Knives podcast, I sat down with the incredible Jamila Norman, the founder of Patchwork City Farms and the star of Magnolia Network's "Homegrown."

Jamila is an urban farmer in Atlanta, but that title barely scratches the surface. She's a former environmental engineer, a community builder, and one of the most resilient people I've ever met. Her story is a powerful reminder of what it means to reclaim our connection to the land.

We talked about so much, but here are a few things that have been circling in my mind ever since:

The Fight for an Inch of Soil: Jamila started her farm on a one-acre plot at a middle school in a historically Black neighborhood. She transformed blighted land into a thriving source of fresh food. But after four years of building soil, planting orchards, and feeding her community, the land was paved over for a parking lot. We get into the deep pain of that loss and what it reveals about gentrification and who gets to decide what a community needs.
From Jamaica to Georgia: How does a girl with Jamaican and Trinidadian roots, raised in NYC on stories of her grandparents living off the land, end up becoming a leading voice for urban farming in the South?

Jamila’s journey from engineering to agriculture is a masterclass in following your purpose, even when the path isn't clear.

Food is Freedom: Jamila broke down why farming isn't just about growing vegetables—it's about sovereignty. When we control our food, our clothing, and our shelter, we control our destiny. It’s a powerful idea that connects directly to the legacy and future of Black land ownership.
From Farm to TV: How did she end up with her own show on the Magnolia Network? Jamila shares the story of finding a production team that respected her vision: to demystify farming and show people—especially us—that we can grow our own food and reconnect with the earth, right in our own backyards.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever planted a seed, fought for their community, or wondered how we can build a more just and sustainable future. Jamila’s story is one of resilience, vision, and the radical act of putting down roots.

I can’t wait for you to hear it.

Connect with Jamila:

Instagram: @patchworkcityfarms

Website: patchworkcityfarms.com

Talk soon,

Tiffani
Host, Afros and Knives

Breaking Barriers with Anteel Tequila with Nayana Ferguson

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:31:16 -0700

She Built a Tequila Brand. They Told Her She Couldn't.

Hey everyone,

This week on Afros and Knives, I had a conversation that truly lit a fire in me, and I knew I had to share it with you.

I sat down with the incredible co-owner of Antioch Tequila, a brand she built from the ground up in an industry that wasn't exactly rolling out the welcome mat. She is one of the first Black women to own a tequila brand, and her story is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and legacy-building.

This isn't just about spirits; it's about spirit. Here are a few things from our chat that I can't stop thinking about:

Why Tequila? A Health-Conscious Choice. Forget what you think you know about tequila. For my guest, a pancreatic cancer survivor, choosing this spirit was a deeply personal and health-driven decision. We talked about how tequila, made from the agave plant, can be a cleaner, more natural option (when done right!). It’s a perspective that completely changed how I view the spirit.
Building Without a Blueprint. How do you launch a tequila brand when the spirit has to be made in Mexico and you're navigating two governments' regulations? She quite literally created her own path. She shared the nitty-gritty of going from a "crazy idea" to holding that first bottle in her hands. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the path is made by walking it.
"You Have to Prove Yourself 10 Times Over." We got real about what it’s like to be a Black woman in a white, male-dominated space. She shared stories of being dismissed and patronized, while her husband was given immediate credibility. Her journey of earning respect through pure expertise and persistence is something so many of us can relate to, and it’s a story that needs to be heard.
Legacy is an Action Word. This conversation went beyond business. We talked about intentionally building generational wealth and teaching our kids financial literacy from day one. Her 13-year-old daughter already has her own LLC! It was a powerful discussion about creating options for the next generation, so they can build lives centered on passion, not just a paycheck.

This episode is for anyone who has ever been told their dream was too big, for every entrepreneur carving out their own lane, and for all of us who believe in building something that lasts.

Her story is a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. I left our conversation feeling so inspired, and I know you will too.

Grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and tune in.

Talk soon,

Tiffani Rozier

Ep 48: Christilisa Gilmore

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 08:38:06 -0700

All of Christilisa’s jobs and skills lead her to help people craft the best dang cookbook with the best stories and recipes anyone can write.

The Cookbook of You Project is available for presale. It officially starts on May 15th, 2021. This project guides people through 12 themes and teaches them to write a cookbook in a year. More details can be found at project.christilisa.co

Ep 47: Jinji Fraser

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 17:07:23 -0700

Jinji is a Baltimore, Maryland native, and alumni of Indiana University. She spent her earliest professional years working in the Non-profit sector and Retail before working as a nutrition counselor in 2012. Shortly thereafter, Jinji studied the craft of chocolate making, opening Pure Chocolate by Jinji with her father; tapping into a decades old ancestral calling she continues to explore today through travel, writing and production. Jinji lives in Baltimore City with her husband, Paul, and son, Stokely Ashe.

Bio Link

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Anything you want to add? (promos, events, new products)

Chocolate & Justice is a web series we do at our shop that's accessible from anywhere via zoom. We interview various people across our industry, and outside of what we do as well to understand how justice and liberation play in our everyday lives as Makers.

Ep 46: Porshae’ Gray-Peel

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:52:11 -0700

Porshae' was a peculiar child, who stayed up late to read in the dark after her bedtime, preferred being in her grandmother's New Jersey kitchen, and remembers the Food Network Premier (November 23, 1993). Her father confirmed that she came running through the house, saying a channel only showed food, which he did not believe. A few days later, he walked past her room and confirmed this was a real thing; that was the start.

Ep 45: Chayil Hyland + Hasanah Sabree

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:45:00 -0700

This episode is a chat with recent Food and Finance High School Alums and Co-Creative Directors of Pass the Spatula Magazine Volume 1--Chayil Hyland and Hasanah Sabree.

Ep 44: Brittany Towers

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:33:19 -0700

Brittany Towers (@theblackfoodscientist) has her BS & MS degree in Food Science from The Ohio State University, Certified Culinary Science degree from the Research Chef Association and has been in the food industry for 8 years and has worked on over 30 food & beverage products you see on the store shelves today including brands like Gatorade, Tropicana & Propel.

Ep 43: Yahshimabet Sellassie

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 08:48:27 -0700

Yahshimabet Sellassie, Founder & CEO of Yahshi Bakes, developed her culinary interest at the tender age of four. Born in Oakland as a vegetarian to entrepreneur parents in fine arts, design, bodywork, radio journalism, and the restaurant business, she naturally blossomed into her creative energy field. From an early age, she gravitated towards the arts, later developing a passion for cooking and baking.

Yahshimabet is influenced by her Jamaican father and her mother's Ethiopian roots, incorporating traditional spices into her cuisine. Her passion for representing her heritage stems from exposure to spices' medicinal properties and how her ancestors cultivated them.

Korerima (Ethiopian cardamom) is freshly ground to infuse into her pastries, such as orange cardamom coffeecake and almond cardamom shortbread cookies providing a warming and floral note.

Setting the Table with Amber Mayfield

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 10:05:15 -0700

Founder of bespoke event brand To Be Hosted and independent lifestyle magazine While Entertaining, Amber Mayfield. Amber is a consummate tastemaker and is shaping how Black folks celebrate and entertain now and in the future. To Be Hosted has produced events and experiences for brands like Equinox, Facebook, Nestle, Netflix, Bumble, Tinder, Patron Tequila, Bulleit Bourbon, Bain & Company, and more. To learn more, check out www.tobehosted.com. Founded in March 2020, While Entertaining Magazine is a yearly magazine that highlights Black food and beverage experts, and provides resources for people cooking and gathering at home.

Ancestors and Alcohol with Bryana Sherman

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:04:09 -0700

Brie Sherman is creative the voice behind the Ancestors and Alcohol brand. She is a herald of Black experiences. She reviews Black-owned spirit brands while sharing her genealogy journey and stories of Black Joy. She also slangs brownies and simple syrups @briesartisangoods as well. I love to bring Black people together through our stories and alcohol and show how resilient we've been through the ages.

Making History Through Rum with Joy Spence

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:00:17 -0700

According to Joy, the main element that sets Jamaican rum apart is that when you drink it you can feel the spirit of the country; and Joy herself oozes that spirit too. Not only is Joy a world-class blender, but she also dedicates a lot of her time to helping other young women discover their passions and follow their dreams.

Preserving Food Culture, With Authenticity with Kiano Moju

Sat, 29 May 2021 07:51:24 -0700

We are at risk of losing so much rich culinary heritage if we don’t start documenting it properly, so Kiano Moju, our guest on today’s show, is on a mission to do just that. Through her company, Jikoni, Kiano and her team have created a space for people to become active participants in the telling of their food-related stories.

Delving into High on the Hog with Dr. Jessica B. Harris

Tue, 25 May 2021 12:00:00 -0700

What happens when a culinary historian, a professor, an author, and a journalist unite to explore the transformative power of African American cuisine? We were fortunate enough to find out during our incredible conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris, whose groundbreaking book High on the Hog has now been adapted into a Netflix limited series. Join us as we delve into Dr. Harris' journey to becoming a food historian, her experience on screen, and her openness to acting. Have you ever wondered how languages can bridge cultural divides? During our discussion with Dr. Harris, we touched upon her travels around the world and the importance of learning foreign languages to better understand other cultures. She shared her experiences in China, the significance of pigs in the Chinese diet, and her book High on the Hog. We also explore the concept of using subtitles to watch foreign films as a way to practice and enhance language skills. Finally, we dive into the powerful and emotional experiences of African Americans visiting sites of mass burial in Western Africa. Dr. Harris shares her profound insights on the House of the Slaves at Goree Island and how these visits have shaped people's understanding of their ancestral history. We discuss the significance of capturing these moments in culture and how they can be seen as a source of power and survival. Join us for this enlightening and moving conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris.

Episode Highlights:

0:00:02 - High on the Hog (34 Seconds)

0:11:22 - Language Learning and Connection (83 Seconds) 0:17:20 - Sharing Vulnerability and Emotional Support (66 Seconds)

0:26:20 - Upcoming Book Projects and Retirement Renaissance (123 Seconds)

Extended video interview available on the Afros and Knives YouTube channel.

Call Me Chef, with Rhonda McCullar

Fri, 21 May 2021 12:00:00 -0700

In her first-ever interview, Rhonda candidly shares her vulnerabilities, the challenging experiences that have led her to where she is today, and her plans going forward. Rhonda started out her working life as a biology teacher and she has transferred many of her learnings from the science field into the culinary one. This seemingly unlikely combination has been fundamental to Rhonda’s success, as has her ability to persevere through hard times. Rhonda is determined to bring awareness to the culinary world about holistic eating and giving back to the community, and this is a passion we can wholly get behind! In today’s discussion, we get into what it means to be a black, female chef in an industry that has largely ignored our demographic in the past, and how Rhonda has managed to overcome the feeling that she doesn’t belong in the space and take ownership of her well-deserved title: Chef.

Bonus Episode: Dr. Gail Myer

Wed, 19 May 2021 12:47:49 -0700

In this bonus episode of the Afros and Knives podcast, host Tiffani Rozier chats with cultural anthropologist and documentarian Dr. Gail Myers. They discuss the work Dr. Myers has done with her organization, Farm to Grow, as well as her documentary film Rhythms of the Land. This film project will spotlight an array of farmers, rice growers, hog ranchers, dairy ranchers, barefoot farmers, sharecroppers, basket-weavers, shrimp farmers, vegetable farmers, and gardeners, each sharing their memorable stories with us for the first time.

Sharing African American History Through Hospitality with Kristin Kitchen, Sojourn Heritage Accommodations

Fri, 14 May 2021 11:03:32 -0700

The first property Kristin acquired is now the Six Acres Bed & Breakfast, a house in the Underground Railroad Network, which she converted into very successful hospitality business in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was the first in kristin’s brand of boutique hotels that blend the intimacy of a bed and breakfast with the amenities of a first-class hotel. Our conversation begins with the story of how Kristin found the Six Acres property and decided to convert it into a bed and breakfast that incorporated the rich history of its context into the guest experience.

Producing an Olive Oil Legacy with Skyler Mapes

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0700

Olive oil goes beyond the brand you find on the shelf. It’s about where it comes from, what it tastes like, and the passion that’s gone into producing it. Very few people have actually tasted ‘the good stuff, and it’s only once you’ve tried it that you can truly understand what olive oil can offer. Today, we sit down with Skyler Mapes, an American architect who reinvented herself halfway across the world to produce an ancient delicacy. Skyler

a conversation with Hillel Echo-Hawk

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 07:30:00 -0700

Hillel Echo-Hawk is a chef and educator, who is dedicated to creating more awareness about indigenous American food traditions, with a specific focus on those of the Pawnee Nation. She runs Birch Basket, a catering company based in Seattle, creating delicious food using healthy, sustainable, beautiful ingredients, indigenous to North America.

a conversation with Vanessa Parish

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 13:16:51 -0700

In this conversation, we get to hear from Vanessa about her journey as someone at the intersection of Black and indigenous identity, what this has meant for her career in the culinary world, the good and bad experiences she has had, and the lessons she has carried forward with her. Despite having faced hurdles and adversity that many others have not, Vanessa's strength and positivity shine through; she talks about how she decided to go at it alone in order to truly express herself in an unrestrained way, and what good, thoughtful and beautiful food means to her!

a conversation with Charity Blanchett

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0700

Charity shares what it was like growing up as a Black Indigenous Inuit Yupik woman in a small Alaskan town. She talks about how her parents instilled in her their pride in their respective cultures and how this unwavering self-worth helped her in the face of racism. Despite having been secure in who she was, Charity did not see women who looked like her represented in popular media. This lack of representation is what catalyzed the founding of the Dipping Spoon Foundation and we hear about the organizational vision and the support they offer their recipients.

a conversation with Christopher Stewart

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 16:12:00 -0700

this week’s conversation is with Eating Fabulously’s Christopher Stewart. Chris is a classically trained chef, influencer, and tastemaker. She is the founder of the Mise Group, a chef and restaurant management group, specializing in helping small culinary brands and businesses get everything in its proper place. Be sure to subscribe to the Eating Fabulously blog and check out what Chris is doing with the Mise Group.

a conversation with Fawn Weaver

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0700

I chat with an investor, serial entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of award-winning premium whiskey brand, Uncle Nearest Fawn Weaver. If you are unfamiliar with the Uncle Nearest brand and story, I encourage you to spend a little time visiting the Uncle Nearest website...and order a bottle when you’re done. If you’re sitting on a bottle of this beautiful whiskey I encourage you to pause this episode, pour yourself a glass, and then come back and listen to this conversation.

a conversation with Leigh-Ann Martin

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, I speak with Leigh Ann Martin, a chef, and food blogger based in New York. Her recipes blend her Trinidadian heritage and city life and provide the tools to create delicious meals artfully designed and portioned to suit solo dining.

a conversation with Shelley Worrell

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0700

This week’s conversation is with Brooklyn native and the Founder + Chief Curator of caribBEING Shelley V Worrell.

Caribbeing is a thriving cultural venture illuminating the Caribbean experience and communities in Greater New York City and around the world. They work at the intersection of Culture x Community x Commerce.

a conversation with Sukari Bowman

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 13:31:40 -0700

This week’s episode is a conversation with the host of the Color of Wine podcast and co-founder of the Love and Vines brand. Sukari Bowman. Sukari’s mission is to make wine more approachable. Due to my lack of editing skills in GarageBand, this conversation is a longer one, but it was so much fun! Sukari is knowledgeable and approachable, and absolutely delightful.

a conversation with Eden Hagos

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 12:00:00 -0700

This episode is a conversation with the founder of Black Foodie, Eden Hagos. Black Foodie is a community that explores food through a Black Lens. They spotlight the best of African, Caribbean, and Southern Cuisine. If you love discovering new food stories, cultures, traditions, and flavors. Then Black Foodie has you covered.

a conversation with Danielle Anderson

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:08:32 -0700

A conversation with the founder of Black Girls in the Vineyard, Danielle Anderson, you may know her as Danielle the Wine Diva on Instagram.

a conversation with Nina Williams Mbengue

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:09:49 -0700

This week's conversation is with Nina Williams-Mbengue, the niece of culinary legend Chef Edna Lewis. We talk about her relationship with her Aunt Edna, the legacy Chef Lewis left behind for us...and how her Aunt would feel about the current social and political climate that is effecting Black women in food spaces.

a conversation with Auzerais Bellamy

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:59:36 -0700

This next conversation is with Auzerais Bellamy, owner of Blondery. Auzerais served as pastry sous-chef at Bouchon Bakery, executive pastry chef at Pies -N- Thighs and Alain Ducasse’s Benoit Bistro before founding Blondery. She has staged at Per Se, French Laundry, and Daniel.

a conversation with Ashleigh Pearson

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 09:40:54 -0700

This week's doubleheader starts with a conversation with chocolatier and founder of D.C. based Petite Soeur, Ashleigh Pearson.

a conversation with Zoe Adjonyoh

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0700

This week’s episode is a conversation with the energetic and indefatigable Zoe Ad-Jon-Yah. This episode is in two parts. Part one is available anywhere you podcast, part two will be available to Patreon members only through the weekend, and available to everyone on Monday.

a conversation with Osayi Endolyn

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:43:15 -0700

The season’s first conversation is with the brilliant and generous Osayi Endolyn. She is a writer, more than that she is the shaper of worlds and a consummate storyteller. Reading her work is transformative and nourishing, and in a world gone mad, it is nice to have her words in orbit.

Afros and Knives Live! with Klancy Miller

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:18:08 -0700

For the Culture is a biannual printed food magazine that celebrates Black women in food and wine. The stories in For the Culture are about Black women throughout the diaspora, written by Black women and photographed and illustrated by Black women. It is the first magazine of its kind.

a conversation with Therese Nelson

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:53:41 -0700

This week’s conversation is with chef, writer, and black food historian Therese Nelson. This is that unapologetically Black episode… we celebrate the diaspora, the roots of American cuisine, and the future of black foodways.

a conversation with Brittany Hutson

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:19:32 -0700

This week’s conversation is with storyteller, writer and creator of the blog Fed and Bougie. Brittany Hutson. We deep dive into black food, food media, and food revolutions.

a conversation with Nicole Kearney

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 11:08:08 -0700

This week’s conversation is with wine luminary, visionary, and leader Nicole Kearney of vegan wine brand Sip and Share Wines. We talk about beginnings, building a legacy and the wisdom of quitting what no longer serves you.

a conversation with Chef Q. Ibra

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 09:38:34 -0700

This week’s conversation is with Chicago based Chef Q, Founder of the underground dinner experience Ghetto Sesame Street. We talk about beginnings, falling in love with culinary arts, and how food informs family.

a conversation with Angela Burke + Chef Evelyn Shelton

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:52:20 -0700

It is incredible what can happen when Black women work and create together. In this episode we look at the impact the relationship between these two amazing women, Angela Burke and Chef Evelyn, has had on their beloved community

a conversation with Marcia McColl

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:40:00 -0700

I chat with Marcia McColl, we talk about her top picks, upcoming events, and the future of Bubbles and Bourbon.

a conversation with Chef Catina Smith

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:39:30 -0700

This week’s conversation is with culinary leader, influencer, and founder of Just Call Me Chef, Chef Cat we explore her cooking history, talk about the community and movement she has created, and examine what the future could look like for young, talent, Black chefs.

a conversation with Nina Broadie

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:39:11 -0700

This week we introduce the Fresh Voices series…these are conversations with women who are in the early stages of their life in food, wine, or hospitality.

I wanted hear about their experiences, get their perspectives, and increase their visibility

Today’s fresh voice is recent culinary school graduate Nina Broadie…let’s dive in…

a conversation with Desiree Brown

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 07:39:00 -0700

Desiree created Wino Noire to chronicle her experience as a budding wine professional and to share no-nonsense wine tips to help people (especially millennials of color) enjoy wine without the snobbery.

a conversation with Elle Simone Scott

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 22:17:21 -0700

A conversation around culinary journeys, career transitions, representation in media, and the value of rest.

a conversation with Kalisa Marie Martin

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0700

My conversation is with chef, travel guru, and fellow South Jersey girl Kaleesa Marie Martin. Kaleesa has roots in both the US and Jamaica, is a classically trained chef with degrees in food science and culinary arts, and has built an extensive career in food media. She left her role as Brand Director for renowned digital food publication, Tasting Table to the launch popular lifestyle travel company, The Runaway.

a conversation with Chef India Johnson

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 13:00:02 -0700

Chef India grew up inspired by all cuisines, as a professional chef her food cooking style is based on fresh, local, and classic ingredients with cultural and exotic twists. Her food is an artistic interpretation of many cuisines she enjoys and her craft is ever-evolving.

She is currently working on the launch of her product line Sauce Queen Sauce Queen was created for anyone who appreciates a pantry staple that is made of the highest quality ingredients and is looking to add a little magic to a dish.

a conversation with Deborah Anthony

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:26:03 -0700

Joining the conversation this week is kitchen manager/head chef of the St. James School in Philadelphia, Deborah Anthony. I met Deborah when I worked for the Vetri Community Partnership, I led the kitchen at Girard College in the summer for the Vetri collaboration with the ESF Dream Camp Foundation. Debra was the heart and soul of the kitchen, and one of the most talented chefs I know.

Most of our earliest food memories come from childhood, and the Chef Deborah has been engaged in the noble labor of feeding the children of Philadelphia for some time. She has a generous heart, and a kind spirit and what I consider the most important job in food.

a conversation with Chel Loyd

Sat, 04 Jul 2020 15:48:33 -0700

Joining the conversation this week is co-founder and CPO of Dope Coffee, Chel Loyd. She is the creative force behind Dope Coffee's incredible product offerings

a conversation with Myisha (Maya) Mastersson

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 12:33:54 -0700

In this episode we talk about rediscovering our roots, finding healing in returning home, and the inspiration behind Chef Maya's new project Black Roux Farms.

a conversation with Korsha Wilson

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 20:38:30 -0700

In this episode I am chatting with brilliant food writer and host of the A Hungry Society on Heritage Radio, Korsha Wilson.

a conversation with Nyanyika Banda

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 15:25:57 -0700

I had a refreshing and timely chat with chef @marthasdaughter Nyanyika Banda about her journey, closing her restaurant, and her new work Mid.dle Passage @mid.dlepassage, and the gift of being open and flexible....because life isn't linear.

Rahanna Bisseret Martinez

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 15:31:34 -0700

This week's conversation was both aspirational and reenergizing. Talking with Rahanna reminded me that what we do is invaluable and worth fighting for. I hope as we watch the ever-changing present we can find hope in knowing that the future of the culinary industry is in the very talented and capable hands of young people like Chef Martinez.

a conversation with Black Food Folks

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 16:11:33 -0700

Black Food Folks is a fellowship of black professionals working in food and beverage, food media, and events. The group was co-founded by Brooklyn-based photographer, Clay Willams and Director of Culinary Community Initiatives for the James Beard Foundation, Colleen Vincent. We discuss the necessity of sharing our own food stories, the current challenges facing the community of black food professionals, and what the future could look like for black food.

a conversation with Grace Ouma-Cabezas

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 18:09:59 -0700

"Grace is just your typical Kenyan-Jersey girl—with a love of $2 pizza slices and East African curry that runs equally deep. Growing up in a diverse community in New Jersey, Grace developed an appreciation for the cultural connections in food while going shopping with her mom to recreate dishes from home (which often included an Indian grocer, Korean market, Latin produce stand, and Halal butcher, just to name a few). After finishing college in New Jersey, Grace made her lifelong love of NYC official and moved there in 2007. Before making her way to Food52, she spent a little over a decade in marketing roles across e-commerce, lifestyle media, and on-demand services. On a typical Sunday, you can find her brunching and people-watching in her beloved Harlem neighborhood.

Welcome to the podcast

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 05:00:00 -0700

An introduction to the host and creator of the Afros and Knives podcast, Chef Tiffani Rozier. Hear about the inspiration and future plans.