Join me, Tonya Hopkins aka The Food Griot in conjunction with the Prospect Park Alliance , the New Negro Republic Lineage Society and The Abolitionist Heritage Center for a "Reclaiming Watermelon Picnic" at the Lefferts Historic House lawn on Sunday August 3rd this year from 2pm - 5pm. Come groove to great music, learn (and taste!) bits and pieces about the incredible (oft untold) history of watermelon: its significant role in both world and American history; why and how Black Americans are beginning to reclaim the amazing fruit (psychologically, emotionally, economically…) in spite of centuries of painfully humiliating but powerful propaganda that resulted in generations of disassociation.

Sample delicious heritage varieties the world’s most hydrating fruit 🍉 that originated in central Africa and arrived to the Americas via the transatlantic slave trade — with enslaved (and later emancipated) African heritage people who were the foremost cultivators, stewards and entrepreneurial purveyors of what would ultimately become this nation’s most iconic symbol of Summer in fruit form: Watermelon.

BYO: savory snacks, outdoor blankets & chairs! …+ colorful face-painting and games!

Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods”: Paperback Release Party+ A Podcast Listening Party!

Date & Time

Friday, December 13 · 6:30 - 8:30pm (& 8:45-9:45pm) EST

Part 1 6:30 - 8:30pm : Paperback Release + Listening Party at The Old Stone House of Brooklyn (OSH): 336 3rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11215

Part 2 8:45-9:45pm: Cocktails & Conversation at Stone Park Cafe : 324 Fifth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215

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PART ONE: Join Us for an Evening of Food, History, and Spirited Stories at the Old Stone House!

Come celebrate the paperback release of Sarah Lohman’s “Endangered Eating” and step into the world of culinary heritage with a panel discussion featuring food historians Lohman, Tonya Hopkins, and Gravy podcast producer Otis Gray. Delight your taste buds with sampling tastings of an amazing artisanal mezcal called Eléctrico, Also sample a historical real wild rice dish from Sarah’s Book, and enjoy other storied snacks like peanuts and popcorn.

Upon arriving, savor stories and spirits as “The Food Griot” Tonya Hopkins guides a mezcal tasting intertwined with the fascinating historical connections to Endangered Eating. 

The evening then kicks off with a listening session of Gravy's podcast episode, ““America’s Lost Peanut and the Price of Bringing it Back,””, which delves into the revival of the Carolina African Runner Peanut—a story inspired by chapter 8 of Sarah’s book Endangered Eating — particularly Sarah and Tonya’s conversation in that chapter. Following the episode, Sarah, Tonya, and the episode’s producer Otis will discuss the complicated intersections of food, history, and preservation, inviting the audience to join the conversation for a lively Q&A.

Don’t miss the chance to purchase Sarah’s book (great holiday gift!) , have it signed, and celebrate the release of its new paperback edition with new exclusive content, including an interview between Sarah and Tonya.

Sustainable snacks and samples of a dish featured in the book will be served…

We can’t wait to see you!

REGISTER for Part 1 on EVENTBRITE so we have an accurate head count thanks!

PART TWO:

But wait, there’s more! We’ll continue with Part 2: A ‘Cocktails & Conversation’ Hour diagonally & directly across the street from the OSH grounds (a stone’s throw away!) at Stone Park Cafe (8:45pm -9:45pm) for an opportunity to ‘Experience Eléctrico’. Be sure to RSVP to me (Tonya/TFG) to secure your space and a complimentary craft cocktail [limited spots available so act fast!]. Learn a bit about mezcal’s connection to the ideas behind “Endangered Eating (& Drinking!)” e.g., why it’s nice to know the cultural significance behind many foods & drinks……. [write or copy & paste this: “RSVP for cocktails at SPC 9/13” in the “How Can I Help You” box when you RSVP for part 2 … ]

REMEMBER to REGISTER for Part 1 on EVENTBRITE ! (accurate head counts prevent events from being postponed!)

🎁 GIVE THE GIFT OF THE FOOD GRIOT’S PATREON TO YOUR FAVE FOODIEs and/or DRINKS LOVERs THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!! 🎁 …[LEARN ➡️MORE ABOUT MY PATREON PLATFORM ⬅️HERE]

View this event on the Food Griot Website

More about Tonya Hopkins: https://www.thefoodgriot.com/

More about Sarah Lohman: https://sarahlohman.com/endangered-eating-book/

More about "Gravy" Podcast: https://www.southernfoodways.org/gravy/americas-lost-peanut-and-the-price-of-bringing-it-back/

Get ready for a sandwich making contest + a sauce bar! story-telling, DJ music and more! On #NationalSandwichDay

Sunday November 3rd 2024 2-5pm…

at Historic Lefferts House: 452 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

I’ll be one of the judges! [see line up below]…

Organized by: Art Curator/DJ/Journalist Dick Burroughs

Sandwich makers include:

• Z From Africa

• Your Favorite Cousins,

• and Vixon John, aka The Sammich Hunter.

Judges include:

•  Ben (Moody) Harney of the MotherShuckers,

• Yours truly, Tonya Hopkins, aka The Food Griot,

• and Tremaine Wright, Chairwoman of the NYS Cannabis Control Board. 

I’m told the winner gets $250 Cash and a prize pack filled with swag!

Anyone who attends get to sample these sandwiches but are also encouraged to bring your own, which you can ‘kick up’ at the “Sauce Bar,” curated by the Brooklyn Made Store.

Surrounding this incredible event visitors can also experience Historic Lefferts House’s landmark Ancestral Whispers exhibit by Artist in Residence Adama Delphine Fawundu as well as the Long Live J'ouvert! Pop Up Installation by JouvayFest…

👇🏾CHECK OUT THIS BK READER ARTICLE ALL ABOUT IT! 👇🏾…

 Join me, Tonya Hopkins aka The Food Griot in conjunction with the Prospect Park Alliance and the New Negro Republic Lineage Society for a "Reclaiming Watermelon Picnic" at the Lefferts Historic House lawn on Sunday August 25th from 2pm - 6pm. Come groove to great music, learn (and taste!) bits and pieces about the incredible (oft untold) history of watermelon: its significant role in both world and American history; why and how Black Americans are beginning to reclaim the amazing fruit (psychologically, emotionally, economically…) in spite of centuries of painfully humiliating but powerful propaganda that resulted in generations of disassociation.

Come sample delicious heritage varieties the world’s most hydrating fruit 🍉 that originated in central Africa and arrived to the Americas via the transatlantic slave trade — with enslaved (and later emancipated) African heritage people who were the foremost cultivators, stewards and purveyors of what would ultimately become this nation’s most iconic symbol of Summer in fruit form: Watermelon.

Bring snacks, outdoor blankets & chairs! …

On Saturday August 17th Brooklyn. Black. Utopia. (via @GROWHOUSEBK ) is hosting an “ASHÉ Ancestral Dinner” (6-9pm) [NEW LOCATION DETAILS FORTHCOMING]. (Note that there now. will be no Ancestral Dinner taking place on August 3rd nor the 10th dates at the burial ground site — see more info below re: August 10th) …

I invite you to snag a $44 , $66 or $88 ticket soon for the extra special August 17th family-style dinner co-curated by GrowHouse NYC, Kit an' Kin, and Pelah Kitchen with Yours Truly / me / aka The Food Griot on the host committee and I will also be sharing ‘Food for THought’ on the ancient African-centerd and Diasporic wisdom woven into the menu design, the dishes and the drinks served at the dinner event.

Stay tuned for the new EVENTBRITE LINK that will provide an event description, registration and link to purchase tickets to the dinner…

Check out this expertly curated, culturally-rooted mouthwatering menu for the Ashé Ancestral Dinner on Sat August 17th:

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RELATED EVENT: On Sat August 10th, Brooklyn. Black. Utopia. via GrowHouse NYC (Est. Brooklyn 2017) is hosting a very special event about “reclaiming Black spaces and honoring our ancestors while imagining new futures together”. This all day event (2-6pm) takes place at the Flatbush African Burial Ground (Flatbush at Church Ave). (Note that the Ancestral Dinner is now on August 17th at a new location and NOT taking place on August 3rd nor the 10th ) Here’s an overview at a glance:

About this event

Come join Brooklyn. Black. Utopia. on Sat Aug 10th 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Flatbush African Burial Ground for a day of celebration and empowerment. This event is a gathering of the Black community in Brooklyn to honor history, culture, and resilience.

Experience a day filled with music, art making, panel discussions, and more. Connect with fellow community members and celebrate the beauty and strength of Black culture.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together and create a vision of a better future for our community. Let's build our own Utopia right here in Brooklyn. See you there!

Organized by: GrowHouse Community Design + Development Group

SATURDAY 27 JULY • AFRO-AMERICAN WEEKEND • PARIS SUMMER OLYMPICS

Details forthcoming on ways to participate or attend, stay tuned!…

An Upcoming Talk in real life: Celebration Foods for Juneteenth ❣️

Date: Mon, Jun 17 202

Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Address: 10 Grand Army Plaza , Brooklyn, NY 11238 Get Directions

Location: Central Library, Trustees Room

Taking place at The Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch at Grand Army Plaza, upstairs in the Trustees Room on the 3rd floor. [So you know you’re in the right spot: The Trustees Room is a distinguished, wood-paneled room with sturdy wood chairs with a view from the windows that look out over the Plaza….]

Join me and BPL for an evening of seasonal, 'uniquely American' food stories!

“Food is a central part of any reunions and holiday celebrations.  Learn from Culinary Historian Tonya Hopkins aka The Food Griot about the food (& drink!) associated with Juneteenth and the key role red-hued foods (& drinks) play that distinguishes this early Summer holiday from other  gatherings,  barbecues, park parties or picnics.” ~ BPL Website

By now everyone’s heard of ‘Juneteenth’ our nation’s newest federal holiday that was signed into federal law on June 17, 2021. The holiday’s name is short for June 19th, 1865 when the Union Army marched into the Confederate state of Texas (via the port city of Galveston) to announce the end of chattel slavery and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation that had declared their freedom 2 1/2 years prior in 1863 — resulting in joyous eruption among an estimated 250, 000 held in human bondage there and marking a beginning of hope for equality and freedom. The immediate focus for many was to reunite with family that had for centuries been forcibly separated. It was still another 2 1/2 years later (December 6th, 1865) that the 13th Amendment was ratified to end slavery nationwide.

“Juneteenth is a time to gather as a family, reflect on the past and look to the future. Discover ways to celebrate this African American cultural tradition of music, food and freedom.” ~ NMAAHC

 ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Tonya Hopkins, aka The Food Griot, is a culinary historian, food & drink media personality and show host featured on a range of broadcast networks, digital and print mediums (e.g., ABC, Belgian Public Television, FOOD 52, Food Network FORBES, HBO/MAX, Milk Street Radio, New York Times, NPR, Oxford University Press/OUP, PBS, and Variety)…

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Here’s the link to this event description on the BPL Site: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/celebration-foods-for-central-library-trustees-20240617-0630pm

Celebrate Women's History Month with a Class at Good Wine

on Thursday, March 21st at 7:00pm

Join Good Wine on Thursday, March 21st to explore a diverse selection of wines made by women, paired with recipes inspired by iconic female chefs such as Julia Child and our friend Chef Carla Hall! In fact some of the recipes prepared for class will be from “Carla Hall’s Soulfood: Everyday and Celebration” — Carla’s latest cookbook, the one I worked with her on as lead culinary historian! (see slide show pics).

With wine education by Good Wine assistant buyer AK (Akinsheye Brunson) showcasing six delicious wines by women wine makers plus six appropriate food pairings created and curated by shop owner/chef Heather Johnston — via her talented take on above-mentioned recipes — this class is guaranteed to be so delicious and so much fun! (Please let he Good Wine team know in advance if you have dietary restrictions).

Reserve your seat now! There’s a discount if two or more people sign up together. [Use code WINECLASS for 2+ tickets at checkout] Click on the “save my seat” button to register.

For more info email: goodwineon5th@gmail.com, or call  718-499-2392 

SAVE MY SEAT!…