Back to Our Roots: A Celebration of African American Food Culture

The Friends of African American Art & Culture (FAAAC) explores food culture across the African Diaspora and the benefits of plant-based eating on Thursday, May 2, 2019. A unique twist on their annual meeting, Back to Our Roots: A Celebration of African American Food Culture kicks off with a brief year-in-review followed by an interactive conversation with Chef Folami Geter of A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen; Chef Saa of Rawtopian Bliss; Health Educator Bonita Clemons of Dianne’s Call; and KJ Kearney, founder of Charleston’s Red Rice Day (moderator).

Chef Geter and Chef Saa have helped usher in a renewed interest in plant-based eating, and their unique brands of vegan meals draw crowds from across the Midlands. Health Educator Clemons joins other local African American farmers to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved neighborhoods in Columbia.

The celebration continues with a food tasting and a mixer featuring Beyond the Deep Band, a group of young musicians destined to become Columbia’s “variety band of choice.”