The food we eat and the stories that surround it speak volumes about who we are and where we come from. White supremacy and anti-Blackness have confounded to tell dark and shameful narratives about Black people and the food they choose. It’s important that the myths that surround African American foodways and heritage cooking (i.e. Soul Food) be investigated and exposed. This presentation will make connections between food systems narratives and racial injustices as well as describe the role that culture plays in making sustainable changes.

Presenter:

Scholar activist and agriculture advocate, Dr. Lindsey Lunsford, inspired by her alma mater, Tuskegee University, is setting the tone for the upcoming generation of rural and urban agriculturalists. Dr. Lunsford’s doctoral research focused on the restorying of African American food systems and foodways for the pursuit of cultural justice and food sovereignty.  Dr. Lunsford was recently named among the nation’s Top 20 Emerging Leaders in Food and Agriculture. Dr. Lunsford, currently studies policy advocacy for strengthening grassroots efforts from state to international levels. Lunsford’s leadership focuses on educating underserved populations on self-sufficiency and healthy lifestyles while encouraging the larger community to pursue sustainable and equitable food-oriented development.