Before Freda DeKnight began writing for Ebony Magazine in 1946, American publications that centered on Black cuisine were overwhelmingly written by white writers for white audiences, often using harmful caricatures and dangerous stereotypes. This week, we’ll discover how one Black American food writer changed the culinary narrative.  Freda DeKnight’s food column and book - A Date With A Dish - helped revolutionize Black culinary coverage in post WWII America, breaking new ground for an entire generation of African American chefs and home cooks. Join veteran food writer Donna Battle Pierce as we follow Freda’s story from her home town of Topeka Kansas, all the way to the largest Black publishing company in the United States. And hear some of the stories and recipes she championed along the way. Hosted by Claudia Hanna Episode Guest: Food writer Donna Battle Pierce Site: https://www.skilletdiaries.com/ Blog: https://skilletdiaries.substack.com/ Recipe: Ebony’s Barbequed Spare Ribs To learn more: Look through the 1948 first printing of Freda DeKnight’s book, A Date With A Dish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If This Food Could Talk

APT Podcast Studios

By Us For Us - Culinary Trailblazer Freda DeKnight, Ebony Magazine’s First Food Editor

DEC 28, 202330 MIN
If This Food Could Talk

By Us For Us - Culinary Trailblazer Freda DeKnight, Ebony Magazine’s First Food Editor

DEC 28, 202330 MIN

Description

Before Freda DeKnight began writing for Ebony Magazine in 1946, American publications that centered on Black cuisine were overwhelmingly written by white writers for white audiences, often using harmful caricatures and dangerous stereotypes. This week, we’ll discover how one Black American food writer changed the culinary narrative. 

Freda DeKnight’s food column and book - A Date With A Dish - helped revolutionize Black culinary coverage in post WWII America, breaking new ground for an entire generation of African American chefs and home cooks. Join veteran food writer Donna Battle Pierce as we follow Freda’s story from her home town of Topeka Kansas, all the way to the largest Black publishing company in the United States. And hear some of the stories and recipes she championed along the way.


Hosted by Claudia Hanna


Episode Guest:

Food writer Donna Battle Pierce

Site: https://www.skilletdiaries.com/

Blog: https://skilletdiaries.substack.com/


Recipe:

Ebony’s Barbequed Spare Ribs


To learn more:

Look through the 1948 first printing of Freda DeKnight’s book, A Date With A Dish.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices