This panel will talk about the rise and connection among people of African descent globally to tell the stories of their ingredients, food traditions, culture and heritage and how they are shaping food experiences for consumers today.

Tasting delicious food samples is part of this program!

About the Speakers

V. Sheree Williams is the founder of The Global Food and Drink Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that preserves history and culture of the African diaspora through food, drink and travel. More specifically, through authentic storytelling via the country’s first Black culinary lifestyle magazine Cuisine Noir and its multilanguage podcast "Diaspora Food Stories." Connect: www.globalforgood.org and @cuisinenoirmagazine

Chef Michele McQueen has more than 25 years in the restaurant industry that includes her latest concept Town Fare, located inside the Oakland Museum. With an impressive client roster, she has cooked for many celebrities, including the Oakland A’s, Houston Rocket’s, Golden State Warriors, Robin Thicke, Charlie Wilson, Anita Baker, Stephen and Ayesha Curry and more. Connect: www.townfarecafe.com and @chefmichelemcqeen

For Chef Wanda Blake, cooking is all about serving others. It’s about culture. It’s about connection. It’s about relating with others over a flavor, a dish or a meal. The San Francisco native hosts Wanda’s Cooking Pop-up restaurant events around the Bay Area that feature her signature handcrafted Pepper Chowchow and Creole Spice. Connect: www.wandascooking.com and @wandas_cooking