It took a little while before award-winning writer Osayi Endolyn answered her calling, but the food world is fortunate she did, as she’s put a number of thoughtful projects into the world. In addition to articles and essays for the likes of Time, Food52, and Oxford American, Osayi has co-authored two special books: The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food with Marcus Samuelsson, and Black Power Kitchen with the Bronx-based collective Ghetto Gastro. The latter was just published by Artisan and it’s a tour de force of art, cuisine, culture, and creativity. 

Osayi joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the process behind the books and how to bring participants’ voices forward in literary collaborations. She also shares early food memories and the path that got her where she is today. 

Don’t miss Part 1 of today’s show with the co-founder of Ghetto Gastro, Jon Gray, out now. Listen to both episodes wherever you get your podcasts. 

Ghetto Gastro would love for you to buy a copy of Black Power Kitchen from a Black-owned bookstore, like The Lit. Bar in the Bronx. 

Check out our 2nd annual Cooks & Books festival line-up here, happening Nov. 5th & 6th at Ace Hotel Brooklyn! 

Our podcast is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.

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More on Osayi: Instagram, Website
More on Ghetto Gastro: Instagram, Black Power Kitchen