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Fabrice Armand is the founder of TRIB Marketing Agency and the co-founder of the Creole Food Festival, the only Creole cultural festival taking place in four cities while connecting the American South, the Caribbean, Latin America, South America and South America. Born and raised in Haiti, Fabrice came to the U.S. as a teenager and in college began connecting to the work of building community. Through the Creole Food Festival, he is not only lifting the richness of Haitian Creole food and culture, but other unifying Creole cultures one event at a time. Listen and Connect Website Instagram Related Article from Cuisine Noir The Creole Food Festival Unifies Through Culture and Taste

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 Website Instagram 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsor Hayti      

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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsor Hayti  

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 Website Instagram Instagram (Nigeria Food Summit) Connect Chef Nkesi Enyioha Instagram Related Article from Cuisine Noir Food Summit Celebrates Nigerian Food Culture on Local and World Stages 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories   Episode Sponsor Hayti      

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 Website Instagram 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsor Hayti        

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 Download the App Instagram Watch episodes on YouTube 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsor Hayti    

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 Website Watch episodes on YouTube 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Hayti    

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 Website Instagram   Watch the episode on YouTube   Episode Sponsor Hayti   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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories    

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 Rize Up Bakery in San Francisco. Be sure to catch up on past episode and you can watch all episodes on our YouTube Channel 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 globalforgood.org.   Thank you and see you in 2025!  

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 Oumar Diouf's The Damel Scores With Afro-Brazilian Cuisine 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Tea's Me Hayti    

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 Website Instagram 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Tea's Me Hayti  

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, BunNan, 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 Instagram 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Tea's Me Hayti    

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 Website Instagram 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Tea's Me Hayti

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 Website   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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Tea's Me Hayti  

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 Website Instagram Facebook 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 globalforgood.org. Website: Diaspora Food Stories Episode Sponsors Tea's Me Hayti