Join MOFAD for a special screening of Finding Edna Lewis, the first major documentary about the innovative chef who introduced Americans to the seasonal Southern cooking of her Virginia upbringing.
Afterwards, Debra Freeman (award-winning writer, host, and producer of the documentary) and Osayi Endolyn (James Beard Award-winning writer, producer, and curator) will discuss the places and people that shaped Ms. Lewis into the culinary pioneer whose influence is still felt today.
Ticket includes access to Flavor: The World to Your Brain from 6 to 7 PM, tasting of Edna Lewis' Buttermilk Biscuits with Rhubarb Preserve and Sweet Ginger Butter from Gage & Tollner, and beverages.
DEB FREEMAN delves into the intersections of race, culture, and food – especially in Virginia and across the South. Freeman is the executive producer and host of Finding Edna Lewis, a documentary on PBS that explores the legacy of the famed chef. She is also the host and creator of Setting the Table, a critically acclaimed and multi-award winning podcast exploring Black foodways and culinary history.
In 2023, Setting the Table was honored by the International Association of Culinary Professionals as “Podcast of the Year,” and also won gold in the food and drink category at the Signal Awards. Freeman has appeared on Chef Carla’s Hall’s show, Finding Flavor, on Max, as well as The Key Ingredient on PBS. Her written work includes contributions to Eater, Condé Nast Traveler, Food52, Modern Farmer, The Local Palate, Plate Magazine, Epicurious, Garden and Gun, Pit Magazine, Gravy, and Gastro Obscura, and she has provided cultural commentary for BBC Radio.
photo by Melanie Dunea
OSAYI ENDOLYN is a James Beard award-winning writer and culture strategist who creates narrative, visual, and experiential storytelling. Her work ranges from reporting and content development for major media and publishing platforms, to production and consulting for brands and organizations in hospitality, entertainment, and social change. Her four-part series Black Futures Featuring Osayi Endolyn, showcases her food culture work through the lens of community. She is the writer on groundbreaking narrative cookbooks The Rise and Black Power Kitchen. Her collaboration with Nina Compton, Kwéyòl/Creole, publishes with Clarkson Potter this spring.
