In “The Cooking Gene,” culinary historian Michael Twitty sends his reader on a tantalizing journey starting at the kitchen table, leading his readers all the way to the cotton fields of Virginia and the plantations of North Carolina. He captures his audience by centralizing the topic of southern cuisine which depicts to the reader a splendidly vivid image of the traditional origins of a style of cooking rooted in African American culture. Remarkably, Twitty finds a brilliant fluidity that perfectly weaves cooking methods of the Old South to historical research and and customs of the antiquated past, in relationship to gender, race, religion, and politics.

I appreciate Twitty’s efforts and findings on what sometimes feels like the forgotten past. From slave ships to slave trade, from plantations to house maids, and from systemic marginalization of people of color, particularly those of African descent, it is easy to describe African American History as a never-ending crisis of disenfranchisement and slaughtering of natural born rights, but this isn’t the approach that Twitty takes to describe the rich history of African Americans.

Twitty takes the high road. He uses colorful narration of foods and his personal journeys within the Old South that forages a spiritual connection between history and the present. In chapter 17 of his book Twitty stands in a cotton field and states ,“ I wish you could see the cotton fields. The bolls are just opening. I cannot compare their appearance to anything but fields of white roses.”  The spiritual soul of the South is romanticized and brought to life by prolific food recipes and the beautiful renditions of customary practices like singing hymns while cooking.  It isn’t often that African American history is portrayed in this fashion. Twitty recognizes the beauty of his past despite the circumstances. He sees strength and quality of the efforts put forth by those who came before him and also recognizes that his ancestry lacks singularity. There is an intersectionality amongst ethnicity,  being that Twitty’s ancestors are African, Native American, and European.

Twitty also identifies himself as a gay African American man, and I find that this book speaks to the spiritual and personal self-discovery that took place in his life upon discovering his historical roots. We find that history has so many overlapping tendencies and for this fact, history is beautiful and must be appreciated. This book is for those seeking to master their down home southern cooking and desiring a detailed, intimate portrayal of Southern American history from a widespread, understanding, and simply captivating perspective.

This review was provided courtesy of Busboys and Poets Bookseller Carlantha Roberts. Be sure to catch Michael Twitty at our upcoming event on December 10th at 5th and K.

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For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

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Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

Congressman Jamie Raskin on “The Takeout” in Takoma

Congressman Jamie Raskin on “The Takeout” in Takoma

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin joined CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett at Busboys and Poets in Takoma to talk about impeachment hearings on Capitol Hill, his role on the House Judiciary Committee and whistleblowers on this week’s episode of “The Takeout.” Air Date: Nov 15, 2019 Watch: https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-takeout/video/e2CSBYC8B5kwVVvapreFLu4MUNLRZl3_/maryland-congressman-jamie-raskin-on-the-takeout-11-15-19/

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Alice Walker in Conversation with Andy Shallal at National Museum of African American History and Culture

When: Tuesday, October 16, 2018, 7-9pm Details: Busboys and Poets and The National Museum of African American History and Culture present an evening with renowned author, Alice Walker.  An internationally celebrated writer, poet and activist whose works include short fiction, children’s books, volumes of essays and novels, among them The Color Purple for which she … Continued

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The Ward 8 World’s Greatest Sweet Potato Pie Contest

The Ward 8 World’s Greatest Sweet Potato Pie Contest at Busboys and Poets Anacostia encourages Ward 8 residents to share their amazing baking skills and tasty treats with the community and Busboys and Poets tribe. Each entrant will receive a $50 Busboys and Poets Giftcard 10 Semi-finalists will receive a $100 Cash Prize  5 Finalists will receive a $250 Cash Prize The grand prize winner will receive a $1000 cash prize and … Continued