Diaspora Food Stories
The Diaspora Food Stories podcast explores the stories behind the creators from the African Diaspora, furthering the mission of The Global Food and Drink Initiative to connect Black people through food, drink, and travel. Listeners will enjoy conversations that go deep into the history and origins of our foods and how they have shaped cultures, communities, and the world. In addition, Diaspora Food Stories is the first food podcast to offer these stories in the native tongue of our guests, thereby adding another important element to the preservation of our food and drink stories; the language in which they are introduced.
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Award-Winning Somali Author and Entrepreneur Hawa Hassan
04/30/2025
Award-Winning Somali Author and Entrepreneur Hawa Hassan
Hawa Hassan was born in Somalia and left before the age of six due to conflict in the country. As a refugee in Kenya with her mother and siblings, Hawa would later receive an opportunity to leave the country at the age of seven and relocate to Seatle, Washington where she would complete her schooling before moving to New York to pursue a career in modeling. After a years of modeling, successfully, she began to look at her life differently and time visiting her family in Norway where they now lived, set her on the course of using food as a way to connect with loved ones and create a space to bring people of diverse backgrounds together. As a James Beard Award-winning author for her cookbook, "In Bibi's Kitchen," she is set to release her sophmore book project "Setting a Place For Us, where she sheds light on the importance of preserving recipes and food traditions in places of conflict and migration. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsor
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Ustawi Afrika Founder Doreen Irungu
04/09/2025
Ustawi Afrika Founder Doreen Irungu
Doreen Irungu is the founder of Ustawi Afrika, an amazing organization that trains women farmers around food sovereignty and sustainability. To date, her organization has worked with thousands of women and continues to champion women's contributions to agriculture in Kenya. Her work has transformed the livelihoods of over 10,000 women farmers, significantly improving food security, economic independence, and resilience to climate change across Kenya’s semi-arid regions. Born in rural Kenya to parents who are coffee farmers, Doreen saw first-hand the hard work and also the impact of farming and its ability to put food on the table and support additional needs of families such as education. These early experiences helped to shape how she wanted to build and help communities, especially women farmers. She is also a co-author of the book, "We Took a Risk," a book highlighting the bold steps women take to create transformative change in business and leadership. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsor
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Championing Nigerian Food Culture with Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin and Nkesi Enyioha
03/20/2025
Championing Nigerian Food Culture with Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin and Nkesi Enyioha
Nigerian chef Gbolabo Gibbs Adebakin, known simply as Chef Gibbs, founded the Nigeria Food Summit to host the largest gathering of chefs, restauranteurs, farmers, producers and more for an amazing day of speakers, panel discussions, master classes and networking. Set to take place again on Friday, March 21 on Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria, Chef Gibbs joins us along with restauranteur and chef Nkesi Enyioha to discuss the conversations taking place as well as the work being done to amplify the rich traditions and heritage of Nigerian food culture as Nigerian cuisine continues to take its place on local and world stages. Listen and Connect Chef Gibbs and Nigeria Food Summit (Nigeria Food Summit) Connect Chef Nkesi Enyioha Related Article from Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsor
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Zuleeats Founder Zule Ankamah
03/05/2025
Zuleeats Founder Zule Ankamah
Zule Ankamah is the chef and owner of Zuleeats in Windsor, Ontario, known for her savory Ghanaian meat, veggie and vegan pies. Once a hobby to take up time during the pandemic, the mother of 4 left her 26-year career at Caesars Windsor to start her entrepreneurial journey and hasn't looked back. Passionate about connecting others to her culture through food, foodies can enjoy Zuleeats at its location on Howard Avenue, at local retailers and at events. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsor
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Pass the Peaz Founder Carl Vann
02/19/2025
Pass the Peaz Founder Carl Vann
If there is anything we remember from our childhood, it is food and the hands that prepared it. For Carl Vann, it is his grandmother who he would sit and watch in the kitchen as she prepared some of the family favorites that he as an adult would later recreate. This time spent together before losing her when he was 12 would be the inspiration behind his business and app called Pass the Peaz. The South Carolina native is on a mission to help families save their cherished recipes for the next generations while supporting food insecure individuals through its food rescue initiative. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsor
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Cooking Show Advisor Lenzy Ruffin
01/22/2025
Cooking Show Advisor Lenzy Ruffin
Lenzy Ruffin is a photographer based in the Washington, DC area who began working with other small business owners looking to do videos to promote their services. As someone who grew up in a family of amazing cooks, it was a cooking show that caught his attention one day on PBS and after watching, he set out to create one as a personal project, eventually finding a chef and producing more than 100 episodes. With many lessons learned, he is now helping other aspiring cooking show hosts create their own magic in the kitchen for YouTube audiences around the world through his company as a cooking show advisor. In this episode, we're talking about taking steps to get in front of the camera, one's commitment and key ingredients you'll need as a host to be successful. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To learn more and donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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Artisan Baker Azikiwee Anderson of Rize Up Bakery
01/02/2025
Artisan Baker Azikiwee Anderson of Rize Up Bakery
San Francisco private chef turned artisan baker, Azikiwee "Z"Anderson, turned to sourdough bread baking during the COVID-19 pandemic as a creative outlet and a way to cope with the social unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. After many tries and the determination to get it right, he slowly built a following among friends and family, which today includes the Bay Area and beyond as the owner of Rize Up Bakery. Azikiwee's story starts in Louisiana with a move to California following a life-changing event for his family. What follows is a journey of creativity, self-discovery and an unexpected passion making him one of few Black artisan bakers in the field, a story he plans to tell in his upcoming book to be released in 2026. The self-taught baker is known for creating sourdough bread that is deliciously unique with bold flavors such as Garlic confit, Sweet Purple Yam and Jalapeno Bacon and Cheddar, often selling out before the day is over. Listen and Connect Episode Sponsor Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website:
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2024 Diaspora Food Stories Year-End Thank you
12/24/2024
2024 Diaspora Food Stories Year-End Thank you
We did it! Another great year of conversations with amazing trendsetters in food, drink and travel. We're wrapping up for the year and will return on Wednesday, January 1 with a new episode featuring Az Anderson of in San Francisco. Be sure to catch up on past episode and you can watch all episodes on our for The Global Food and Drink Initiative, the producer of Diaspora Food Stories. To support our work with a tax-deductible donation, go to to Thank you and see you in 2025!
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Senegalese Chef Oumar Diouf
12/05/2024
Senegalese Chef Oumar Diouf
Senegalese chef Oumar Diouf's culinary journey has taken him from his home country in West Africa, to Argentina, Brazil to the United States. Currently living in the Bay Area, Oumar is sharing how food became a way to connect with people and different food cultures. He has owned restaurants in both Argentina and the U.S. and continues to stay connected to his Senegalese roots no matter where he is, blending flavors and ingredients. He plans to share more about his journey in his upcoming book due out in 2025. Listen and Connect Website Instagram Related Article from Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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Soul of America Founder Thomas Dorsey - 30 Years and Counting
11/20/2024
Soul of America Founder Thomas Dorsey - 30 Years and Counting
We're reconnecting with Soul of America founder Thomas Dorsey for a special update since the company launched its Black travel guides 30 years ago. Thomas is back to gives share what the last 30 years have been like and most importantly, what's next. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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Haitian Culinary Innovator Nadege Fleurimond
10/30/2024
Haitian Culinary Innovator Nadege Fleurimond
If there is anything you want to learn about the Caribbean island of Haiti, our next guest is the perfect person to get to know. Nadege Fleurimond, a Haitian-born culinary innovator, author and now restaurateur, is redefining Haitian cuisine through her acclaimed establishment, , located in Brooklyn’s vibrant Flatbush Caton Market with a second location opening soon. Her culinary journey includes appearances on Food Network’s “Chopped” and accolades from publications such as Epicurious and Food & Wine. In this episode, Nadege is talking all things Haiti, including teasers about her annual trip to the island each January that gives those joining her a chance to experience Haitian culture firsthand. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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The Great American Recipe Winner Adjo Honsou
10/17/2024
The Great American Recipe Winner Adjo Honsou
Adjo Honsou is celebrating her victory as the winner of “The Great American Recipe,” season 3. The home cook and scientist turned food entrepreneur proudly represented her native country of Togo on the national show with recipes that authentically shared her culinary DNA on a plate challenge after challenge. Now the St. Louis owner of Fufu N Sauce is embracing the next chapter of how her journey that includes continuing to use food as a way to bring community together through her food truck and hopefully a brick n mortar location in the future as well as using the science behind it to empower students. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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Vegan Food Expert Erika Hazel
09/18/2024
Vegan Food Expert Erika Hazel
If you know a little bit about Berkeley, California, one will agree that it is provides the perfect backdrop for an annual event called The Bizerkely Food Festival that is the largest vegan food festival showcasing the best in plant-based cuisine, art and apparel. Founder and plant-based lifestyle advocate Erika Hazel launched the first one in 2020 with scavenger hunt version that got vegan food enthusiasts out to support small vegan businesses during an especially challenging time. Fast forward to today and more than 5000 attendees attended in person this September to enjoy and support both local and national businesses dedicated to plant-based and healthy living. Erika is sharing her personal journey and what's next in her work to promote plant-based living. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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Zimbabwean Chef Kudakwashe Makoni
09/05/2024
Zimbabwean Chef Kudakwashe Makoni
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Kudakwashe Makoni, aka Chef Kuda, raised in the kitchen by his grandmother who he says spoiled him. At 19, his family moved the U.S. settling in Texas where he went to school and began to pursue a career in industries other than food. But it wasn’t long before food came calling and after going to culinary school and moving back to Zimbabwe to continue honing his skills and techniques in African cuisine, The Black Chef as he is known was born. Now living in Ghana with pursuits around the world, Chef Kuda details his journey from cooking in his homeland of Zimbabwe to now making sure the world knows the essence of and enjoys Zimbabwean cuisine. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Website: Episode Sponsors
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Zimbabwean Hotelier Dr. Mati Nyazema - Part 3
08/14/2024
Zimbabwean Hotelier Dr. Mati Nyazema - Part 3
Steps away from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a beautity boutique hotel built from the vision of Dr. Matifadza Nyazema or Dr. Mati, former journalist and hospitality veteran. She built Mbano Manor Hotel from the ground up over the couse of three years between 2016 and 2019, opening her doors in February 2020 right before the world shut down for the COVID pandemic. But just as beautiful as the 18-room property with a one presidential suite is the story of vision, faith and determination to create a legacy agains all odds. We are sharing her story over three episodes so get ready to be amazed and inspired, knowing that if you put your mind to something and really work to make it happen, it will. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Episode Sponsors
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Zimbabwean Hotelier Dr. Mati Nyazema - Part 2
08/07/2024
Zimbabwean Hotelier Dr. Mati Nyazema - Part 2
Steps away from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a beautity boutique hotel built from the vision of Dr. Matifadza Nyazema or Dr. Mati, former journalist and hospitality veteran. She built Mbano Manor Hotel from the ground up over the couse of three years between 2016 and 2019, opening her doors in February 2020 right before the world shut down for the COVID pandemic. But just as beautiful as the 18-room property with a one presidential suite is the story of vision, faith and determination to create a legacy agains all odds. We are sharing her story over three episodes so get ready to be amazed and inspired, knowing that if you put your mind to something and really work to make it happen, it will. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Episode Sponsors
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Zimbabwean Hotelier Dr. Mati Nyazema - Part 1
08/01/2024
Zimbabwean Hotelier Dr. Mati Nyazema - Part 1
Steps away from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is a beautity boutique hotel built from the vision of Dr. Matifadza Nyazema or Dr. Mati, former journalist and hospitality veteran. She built Mbano Manor Hotel from the ground up over the couse of three years between 2016 and 2019, opening her doors in February 2020 right before the world shut down for the COVID pandemic. But just as beautiful as the 18-room property with a one presidential suite is the story of vision, faith and determination to create a legacy agains all odds. We are sharing her story over three episodes so get ready to be amazed and inspired, knowing that if you put your mind to something and really work to make it happen, it will. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Episode Sponsors
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Ghana Food Movement Co-Director Aimée Wallin
07/10/2024
Ghana Food Movement Co-Director Aimée Wallin
Aimée Wallin is a co-director of the nonprofit Ghana Food Movement based, a network of food producers, entrepreneurs and community working together to create a resilient and sustainable food system in Ghana. Aimée's work includes connecting with foodies and food practioners around the world and is working on her biggest project yet, Ghana Food Movement’s food education hub, The Kitchen, scheduled to open later this fall in Accra. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit Episode Sponsors
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Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Petra Roach
06/26/2024
Grenada Tourism Authority CEO Petra Roach
Recognized as a leader in the tourism sector for more than 25 years, Petra Roach is the guiding force behind Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), assuming the role of CEO in 2021. Under her leadership, Petra is proud to share the beauty, history and culture of Grenada as well as its sister islands Carraicou and Petite Martinique. Since joining GTA, she has successfully lead the destination through the pandemic recovery process and leans into innovation and powerful relationships to continue making Grenada one if not the top Caribbean country for tourists visiting from all around the world. Listen and Connect: Related Article From Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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National Soul Food Month Founder Charla L Draper
06/12/2024
National Soul Food Month Founder Charla L Draper
Charla L. Draper is a nationally recognized food influencer and culinary communications professional providing marketing services for food and food related products through her consultancy company She is also the founder of National Soul Food Month launched in June of 2001 to celebrates the heritage and history of foods and foodways of people from the African diaspora. With a menu of guests lined up to celebrate its 23rd year, we’re talking about what makes a true soul food meal and all the helpings in this episode. To learn more about National Soul Food Month, visit Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Soul of America Founder Thomas Dorsey
05/22/2024
Soul of America Founder Thomas Dorsey
Thomas Dorsey began championing Black travel stories 30 years ago to share a diverse perspective that was missing from the travel industry. Black travelers have always been savvy and adventurous and most importantly want experiences that speak to who we are culturally. That is where Soul of America comes in. In this episode, Thomas is sharing why it was important to bring diverse voices and perspectives to the industry, where other sites and publications miss the mark when it comes to Black travelers and what is ahead for the Soul of America media platform. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Virginia Peanut Farmer Elisha Barnes
05/01/2024
Virginia Peanut Farmer Elisha Barnes
Elisha Barnes is a 4th generation peanut farmer who was born and raised in Virginia. His legacy includes being raised in a strong family where agriculture was centered in their life and the seeds planted are now flourishing on his own farm, Pop Son Farm. His partnership with has been a game changer as a small farmer. Pop Son Farm’s peanuts are the now part of the company’s success as well as philanthropic efforts to help those who are food insecure. In this episode, Mr. Barnes is sharing how farming has helped him stay connecting to his parents and what they taught him, the land and most importantly community. Related Article from Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Elite Travel Consultant Michael Henderson
04/17/2024
Elite Travel Consultant Michael Henderson
Michael Henderson is the founder of B.A.G. Travel (Black and Gay Travel) that specializes in designing adventures for small groups to destinations around the world. The "adventure designer," began traveling more than 20 years ago, taking his first solo trip to Thailand. After returning, he knew travel would be a way of life and over the years became a global citizen of the world, learning from each experience and people met along the way. From Thailand to South Africa, Mexico and at least 32 other countries and counting. What are his favorite destinations and which trip is at the top of his bucket list? Be sure to listen to find out. For more about B.A.G Travel and upcoming trips, visit the Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Chef and Entrepreneur Rachel Adjei
04/03/2024
Chef and Entrepreneur Rachel Adjei
Rachel Adjei is a chef and entrepreneur based in Toronto, Canada. In 2020, she founded The Abibiman Project, a social enterprise venture that introduces the abundance of flavors and ingredients from the African continent and its diaspora through dishes and products created to give back to organizations serving communities, especially residents, who are food insecure. As one of Toronto’s rising stars, she is creating an impact by doing what she loves: bringing people together through food. In this episode, she shares what inspired The Abibiman Project, establishing the right partnerships and what self care as an entrepreneur looks like for her. To learn more about Rachel and her work, visit The Abibiman Listen and Connect Related Articles From Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Cookbook Authors Vernita Harris and Beatrice Moore
03/20/2024
Cookbook Authors Vernita Harris and Beatrice Moore
Vernita Harris and Beatrice Moore have turned a 40-plus year friendship into a business over food. The friends met while in attending Praire View A & M University in Texas as college students and have since supported each other’s journeys through life since. Their friendship turned into a partnership during the pandemic in 2020 when they began to create a community by sharing recipes. This led to publishing their first cookbook, ”: A Gateway to Flavorful Recipes,” which received several accolades. Due to be released on April 6, their follow-up cookbook “Pinch-Dash-Done: Make It Seasonal,” focuses on cooking with fruits and vegetables that are in season for optimal flavors. In this episode, they are talking about the success of their cookbooks that includes a partnership with AARP. Listen and Connect Related Article from Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Crescendo Foods Ghana Founder Dr. Wanida Lewis
03/06/2024
Crescendo Foods Ghana Founder Dr. Wanida Lewis
New Jersey native Dr. Wanida Lewis founded Crescendo Foods, Ghana’s first shared kitchen coworking hub, in 2021. A food scientist by profession, Dr. Lewis and Crescendo Foods’ focus is to “create a Pan-African ecosystem to celebrate culture through food as well as art.” It also serves as a safe place where innovative ideas can be nurtured. Located in the country’s capital, Accra, Dr. Lewis and her team are preparing to host participants who want to learn about African cuisine, specifically Ghana’s cuisine and food culture, during their first culinary culture exchange program, Plate 2 Plate, this July. To learn more about Crescendo Foods and Plate 2 Plate, visit their Listen and Connect Related Article from Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Diaspora Food Stories February 2024 Update
02/01/2024
Diaspora Food Stories February 2024 Update
Happy Black History Month! We're going to be taking a short break this month to enjoy the work we do that centers around telling Black food stories. We'll be back on March 6 to kick off more great conversations with amazing people in food, drink and travel! Until then, be sure to catch up on episodes and visit our The Global Food and Drink Initiative, to watch partial or full conversations! Be sure to also check out our digital and print platform, for more great stories throughout the month and year. Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Wine and Hip-Hop Connoisseur Jermaine Stone
01/17/2024
Wine and Hip-Hop Connoisseur Jermaine Stone
If you love wine and hip-hop, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. While in college, Jermaine Stone, aka The Real Wolf of Wine, had a goal of getting a office job to grow his business skills not knowing that it would one day lead to traveling the world for wine. The Bronx native worked for Zachy’s, an auction house in New York, where he began to learn about wine from the operations side. As his career and knowledge expanded, he eventually became a consultant for some of the biggest brands and wine regions globally. His love of hip-hop carries over seamlessly into his work as he pairs his favorite artists and lines with wines to show the characteristics and notes of each that create the perfect melody of sound and taste. He is sharing some of his favorite wine and hip-hop pairings and more in this episode. Listen and Connect Related Article from Cuisine Noir Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Artist and Writer Tunde Wey
01/03/2024
Artist and Writer Tunde Wey
Tunde Wey is more than an artist and writer. He is also a cook who uses "nigerian food to interrogate colonialism, capitalism and racism," per his website. We first learned about his work when news outlets began reporting on his social projects in New Orleans that charged White people at least 2x more for plates of food as a way of discussing the wealth disparity gap in the city. But before he began cooking for people and using food to passionately advocate around issues relating to race and wealth, there is a story of an inquisitive young boy growing up in Nigeria who would step foot on U.S. soil in Detroit at age 16. This episode shares his journey from Nigeria to the U.S. and all of the joys and struggle that inform the work he is doing today. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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Chef and Food Advocate Bashir Munye
12/13/2023
Chef and Food Advocate Bashir Munye
Born in Somalia and raised in Italy, Chef Bashir Munye has called Toronto home for the past 22 years. Growing up in the Mediterranean, fresh seasonal foods were the norm. His approach to cooking is simple. In this episode, he talks about his brief time in Somalia before moving to Italy at five years old and assimilating to Italian culture, only to later as an adult find his way back to his African roots and how this shows up in this work as a chef, food advocate and educator today. Listen and Connect Diaspora Food Stories is produced by The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501c3 nonprofit. Together with your generous donation we can continue to preserve the oral history and culture of Black food and drink stories both in English and other languages spoken throughout the African diaspora. To donate, visit
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