MoAD Chef-in-Residence Jocelyn Jackson presents | Finding Edna Lewis

Join MoAD Chef-in-Residence Jocelyn Jackson, past Chef-in-Residence Bryant Terry, and culinary historian and writer Deb Freeman for a special afternoon celebrating the life and legacy of Edna Lewis, one of America’s most revered culinary icons. Experience the documentary Finding Edna Lewis created by Deb Freeman, an intimate portrayal of Lewis’s journey and contributions to Southern cooking and American culinary traditions. The screening will be followed by conversation and a curated selection of small bites inspired by Ms. Lewis’ recipes, bringing her flavors and vision to life. Celebrate Edna Lewis’s impact on food, culture, and heritage with us in a memorable afternoon of film, conversation, and cuisine. Small bites provided by Chef Fernay McPherson of Minnie Bell's Soul Movement.

‍About the Documentary

‍FINDING EDNA LEWIS follows host Deb Freeman — creator of Setting the Table, a critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning podcast exploring Black foodways and culinary history — on a journey to uncover the life of an American original. Little archival footage or audio featuring Edna Lewis survives, but Freeman finds that memories of her remain strong not only among those who knew her best, but also chefs who have discovered her cookbooks. Today, Lewis is an inspiration for a new generation of chefs, and Freeman tracks her legacy through conversations and cooking.

About the Speakers

Debra Freeman is an award-winning writer and podcaster with a focus on Black foodways throughout America and particularly in the greater South. She is the host and creator of Setting the Table, which was named podcast of the year by IACP in 2023, and was named a gold winner by Signal Awards. Freeman is also the executive producer and host of the PBS documentary Finding Edna Lewis.

Bryant Terry (@bryantterry) is a multidisciplinary artist, James Beard Award-winning chef, publisher, and author of six books. He draws inspiration from his ancestors, motivating us to strive for a more healthful, just, and sustainable world.

As the founder and editor-in-chief of 4 Color Books, an imprint of Ten Speed Press and Penguin Random House, Terry collaborates with visionary chefs, writers, artists, activists, and innovators of color to create visually stunning nonfiction books. Additionally, he is the co-principal and innovation director of Zenmi, a values-driven creative studio that he established.

Jocelyn Jackson (@justuskitchen) is an award-winning chef, artist, teacher, and activist who was raised on the Kansas plains by a Tuskegee Airman and the first Black woman to run for mayor in Wichita. Jocelyn has been a professional cook for over 12 years. She spoke on the principles of community nourishment at Court Bouillon in Southern France, and was part of the team that presented the inaugural Diaspora Dinner at MoAD. She is the founder of JUSTUS Kitchen and the co-founder of People’s Kitchen Collective (PKC). Both organizations serve to center the lived experience and liberation of Black and brown peoples using food, art, and social justice as vehicles for change.

Fernay McPherson is the Chef-Owner of Minnie Bell's Soul Movement, serving delicious home-style southern food in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2010. Fernay, a native of San Francisco's Historic Fillmore district, a neighborhood populated by immigrants and African-Americans who left the Deep South during the Great Migration.

Minnie Bell's popularity has continued to grow as it was listed as one of The San Francisco Chronicle's "Top 100 Restaurants," Eater SF's "Essential 38 Restaurants," and Best New Restaurant 2024 in The San Francisco Chronicle, The LA Times and The New York Times.

The Chef-in-Residence program is made possible by the generous support of Kaiser Permanente.