Ebony Test Kitchen and the 25th National Soul Food Month (w Charla L. Draper)

The guest for this episode is Charla L. Draper, Chicago food writer/consultant and former food editor of Ebony and Southern Living. I talk to Ms. Draper about her early Black food writing influences as well as trends in Black and soul food over time. In addition, we discuss the recipe development, testing, and curation efforts she led in the Ebony Test Kitchen and her general role as food editor the publication. Finally, we speak about her motivation to create National Soul Food Month, the annual June soul food celebration that marks its 25th anniversary this year.

• Charla Draper's Instagram: @charlaldraper

• Her food marketing company: itsfoodbiz.net

• National Soul Food Month site: nationalsoulfoodmonth.com

Listen to full episode:

Episode Notes:

• Lena Richard

• Freda DeKnight

• Jonell Nash

• Libby Clark

• Theresa “Teesee” Fambro Hooks

• Doris Saunders

• Jollof Rice

• Chase’s Calendar of Events

• National Association of Black Journalists

• Finding Edna Lewis

• The Black Foodies

• Black People Eats

• “My Girl” – The Temptations

• “PYT” – Michael Jackson

• “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”

  • Gladys Knight & the Pips version

  • Marvin Gaye version

• The Warmth of Other Suns– Isabel Wilkerson