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.

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