Many people don't realize that these five incredibly popular food innovations owe their existence to Black chefs and entrepreneurs.
Black Americans have long played a foundational role in shaping and developing what we know today as American cuisine. However, for far too long, their invaluable contributions have been overlooked or erased from mainstream food narratives. This has been the case despite the undeniable influence of Black chefs, entrepreneurs, and innovators on the flavors, techniques, and food industries we now enjoy. In recent years, though, this historical oversight has been challenged and reexamined. Shows like Netflix’s High on the Hog and cookbooks such as Jubilee by Toni Tipton-Martin are part of a larger movement to bring awareness to the food traditions and legacies of the African diaspora in the United States. These works, along with others, are shining a spotlight on the stories of Black chefs, food historians, and culinary artists who have shaped American food culture in profound ways. From the creation of iconic dishes to innovations in food production and preservation, Black American ...