Nourishing the Diaspora: Plant-Powered Nutrition for the African American Table

Vegetable-centric cooking in America goes back to the Black Panther Party, who used their home-grown vegetables to create school meals that were free of red meat. Plant-focused cuisines have existed throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America for centuries. Today, African and African American chefs in cities across America are transforming family favorites, shifting the narrative by offering more culturally resonant plant-powered meals. They are reimagining popular soul and comfort food dishes with both flavor and health in mind.

Whole food, plant-based nutrition has the power to nourish the African diaspora and reduce our health disparities. By changing the food landscape we can promote health and well-being among Black communities that have been disproportionately affected by diabetes, hypertension, and other health conditions.

Explore these topics and flavors with Plant Powered Metro New York in East Harlem! We'll start the evening with food demos and tastings by local Black chefs and educators Brandy Cochrane, Genny Mack, and Rebecca Johnson that reinterpret and transform popular southern dishes. Nurse practitioner Aisha Smith-Ellis from SmithCare will then discuss the research that clearly points to increased plant consumption for the sake of health. Enjoy our complimentary wellness services: Hand Massage Salon by SPAaaht Wellness, Aroma Bar & Scentonomy by Butter By Keba and an Herbs Bar by The Healing Project.

This event is part of PPMNY’s Black History Month festivities celebrating the food, cultures, and lived experiences of generations of African Americans in America.