FOODIZEN PODCAST: What’s On Your Kwanzaa Table?

Since Kwanzaa’s inception in 1966, Philadelphia has been home to some of the most robust Kwanzaa celebrations in the country—from the lighting of Boathouse Row to festivals and events across the city, most open to the public.

There are also many quieter family affairs over the course of the seven-day holiday.

Translated as “first fruits of the harvest,” Kwanzaa is an American holiday of African heritage—a celebration of family, community and culture—that Philly has been celebrating for over a half century.

Listen here for the history of Kwanzaa and its food traditions—including a rare interview with Kwanzaa’s founder Dr. Maulana Karenga.

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Tonya Hopkins, aka The Food Griot, founded the nonfiction story-telling platform, “The Food Griot: Sharing Savory Stories on The Makings of American Cuisine, (Cocktails)…” She has researched and written for several scholarly and consumer publications and appears regularly on radio and television. Her work in culinary history activism aims to help disenfranchised, mostly black and brown food/drink industry professionals achieve greater inclusion, equity and wholesome empowerment. Follow @TheFoodGriot on: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.