SANKOFA | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation
Date and Time
Oct 10, 2023 6:00 pm
Location
Takoma
235 Carroll St NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20012
Oct 10, 2023 6:00 pm
Takoma
SANKOFA is a culturally relevant title that will speak to the readers who understand the struggle of being first-generation and with feeling out of place with different versions of home.
What if home was a place you’ve never been? For Kofi, a first- generation Ghanaian American boy, home is a country called Ghana. But it’s a place he’s never been. When tasked to bring a dish that best represents his family’s culture to school for a potluck lunch, Kofi is torn. With the help of his Nanabarima (grandfather), Kofi learns the hardship and resilience his family
has endured—and how food has always been an integral part of their story and culture. Sankofa is a reminder that food can transport you to a place called home—even if you’ve never been.
With Lala Watkin’s unique illustrations in her signature style, the detailed illustrations pop off the page as the story travels through time and place. Complete with an easy-to-make recipe at the back, this picture book presents the perfect opportunity for children and caregivers to bond in the kitchen and make memories
Chef Eric Adjepong is joining us on the Busboys stage to share a culinary story of resilience and belonging through his forthcoming book Sankofa. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and the author will be signing following the program.
This event is free and open to all. Our program begins at 6:00 pm, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of SANKOFA will be available for purchase before and after the event. Please note that this event is IN PERSON and will NOT be livestreamed.
We ask that guests RSVP in order to receive direct updates about the event from Busboys and Poets Books
Eric Adjepong (he/him) is the host of a series of live, virtual cooking classes that explore West African cuisine and food of the African diaspora. Adjepong rose to prominence as a finalist on season 16 of Bravo's Top Chef and as a contestant on season 17 of Top Chef All-Stars. As a first-generation Ghanaian American born and raised in New York City,
Adjepong sources the flavors and influences in his cooking from many of the West African dishes he grew up eating.
Lala Watkins (she/her) is an illustrator, author, and self-proclaimed “good vibes connoisseur.” A graduate of the Ringling College of Art & Design, Watkins has worked on numerous children’s books and comics.
Nina Oduro (she/her) is CEO and Co-founder of Dine Diaspora, a Black-owned and women-owned company that connects people and brands to African diaspora food culture based in Washington, DC. Nina leads strategy and creative direction on partnerships by centering Black foodways through marketing initiatives for companies such as Meta and the World Food Program. In 2016, she co-founded Black Women in Food (BWIF) to address the gap in support and opportunities for Black women’s advancement in the food and hospitality industry globally. Since its inception, BWIF has supported over 1,000 women across the food system around the world through funding, resources, networks, and recognition. Nina has also contributed to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for the James Beard Foundation. As a champion for equity in the food and beverage industry, she has been featured as a Changemaker in DC’s food system by Washington City Paper and her work has been featured in publications such as Food and Wine, Sweet July, and Washingtonian. Nina received a Master's from Columbia University and a Bachelors’ from University of Virginia.
