Exploring Heritage through Culinary Traditions: “1526: African Arrivals — The Foodways They Sustained”
October 7, 2026
As part of a month-long series of Middle Passage Remembered events commemorating 500 years of African history and presence in North America (1526–2026), a special culinary and educational program will take place in Georgetown, South Carolina. Sponsored by the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation and hosted at the Eddie Ellis Community Garden, “1526: African Arrivals — The Foodways They Sustained” invites the community to explore the deep culinary roots and vibrant food traditions of the African Diaspora.
Led by renowned Foodways Historian Julian Barrett Gooding, the program features engaging lectures, live cooking demonstrations, interactive discussions, and small food tastings designed to highlight how African agricultural knowledge and traditional cooking techniques reshaped Southern cuisine and continue to sustain communities today.
Event Schedule & Topics
The series takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, offering two distinct sessions:
- 10:30 AM – Okra Prepared Two Ways
Discover the history, cultural importance, and culinary versatile techniques of okra—a staple crop brought across the Atlantic that remains central to Lowcountry and Gullah Geechee cooking.
- 3:00 PM – “Red, Red”
Explore the origins and flavors of “Red, Red,” a iconic Ghanaian bean stew made with black-eyed peas, palm oil, and plantains, tracing its connection to traditional rice and pea dishes across the Diaspora.
Location & Ticket Information
- Venue: Eddie Ellis Community Garden, 2025 Winyah Street, Georgetown, SC 29440
- Tickets: $10 per session
- Details: Seating is strictly limited, and RSVPs are required in advance. Food allergies or dietary restrictions should be communicated upon registration. For the Okra session and for the Red, Red session.
Whether you are a food enthusiast, history lover, or community member looking to honor regional roots, this event offers an enriching opportunity to taste, learn, and preserve vital cultural foodways.
