Chef Kenneth Willhoite - The Soul Food Museum Story: Celebrating 400 Years of Culinary Arts Hospitality and Agriculture

THE SOUL FOOD MUSEUM STORY

Volume I

Celebrating 400 Years of Culinary Arts Hospitality and Agriculture

CHEF KENNETH WILLHOITE

AuthorHouse

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Phone: 1 (800) 839-8640

2018 Chef Kenneth Willhoite. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/28/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2515-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2514-0 (e)

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DEDICATIONS TO OUR ANCESTORS & GIFTS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

Nobody does it better is a strong statement, but it may even be an understatement when it comes to the indelible impact and undeniable contributions that African Americans have made to the culinary arts in America. More specifically, the good things that our mouths are satisfied with daily would not be as special as they are, had it not been for the meticulous involvement of our ancestors.

Not only did our ancestors build this country where countless individuals come to discover and live out the American Dream, but we have also tantalized the taste buds of the masses for over 400 years. In so doing, God has endowed us with a unique ability to make something out of nothing. Those things that Massa viewed as scraps from the dinner table were turned into delicacies that have been treasured and passed on from generation to generation.

Indeed, weve got much to be thankful for. However, it is not enough to leave our gratitude on the table. The colossal role that we contributed to society in culinary arts should never go unnoticed; it absolutely must be documented. In 400 Years of the History of Soul Food and Hospitality , Chef Dr. Kenneth Willhoite has left no stone unturned as he takes us on a colorful journey from the coasts of West Africa to the hills and valleys of America.

The very essence of who we are as a people is finely and intimately woven into the tapestry of the details of this fine work of art. The 40+ years Chef Dr. Willhoite has spent collecting artifacts and chronicling every piece of history he could amass have produced the treasure which you now hold in your hands. What you are about to experience is nothing less than a masterpiece! By the time you complete this journalistic experience, be assured that you will be enlightened, elated, enthused, and empowered.

Therefore, prepare your hearts and minds to experience an adventure like no other. Without question, Chef Dr. Willhoite has raised the bar and laid a foundation that will allow our contributions to forever be inscribed in the pages of historyeven if that means we must tell it ourselves. Chef Dr. Willhoite, thank you for telling the story. Thank you for a job far beyond well done!

King & Queen of Soul Food Chef Kenneth Willhoite & Queen Vida

FOREWORD

CHEF QUEEN VIDA AMUAH OF GHANA, AFRICA

After 400 years of captivity as Black people, we continue to thank the Omnipotent God of Creation for delivering us out of slavery as was prophesized in scripture Deuteronomy 28:68 says

And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you

Kings James Bible Version Public Domain

The mysteries of the Bible would be revealed in their set seasons and times.

African Americans have indeed fulfilled the prophecies as it is written in scripture. It is considering this, that Chef Dr. Kenneth Willhoite has worked night and day to celebrate this historic 400-year journey of an extraordinary group of people who, against all odds, fought to get their freedom. It took knowledge and vison without vision the people perish. Chef Dr. Willhoite has diligently researched for over 40 years to tell the African American Soul Food Story, tracing our journey from Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, and many locations along coastal West Africa.

We must now use the knowledge passed on to us because this knowledge will give us the power to continue to be free. We must keep our destiny in our own hands. With love and gratitude, I am

Queen Vida Amuah, Queen of Soul Food

Ase - Oh, Ase

Peace and Blessings, Shalom

Contents

THE SOUL FOOD MUSEUM STORY
AUTHOR CHEF DR. KENNETH WILLHOITE

The Soul Food Museum Story is an historic journey of the African American culture through their passionate relationship with food. This book follows that special love of food and family from their roots in coastal West Africa to North and South America and the Caribbean. The Soul Food Museum Story paints a vivid picture of this horrific journey survived by extraordinary strong and resilient people, and their ability to recreate themselves and their culture despite all hardships and struggles.

This book will enlighten and educate on the complex history of soul food, an understanding of culinary arts (the art of preparation, cooking and presentation of food), hospitality (all forms of generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers), and agriculture (the science of farming, including cultivation of soil for growing crops and other products).

Founder and Visionary for The Soul Food Museum Chef Kenneth Willhoite

Organization founded in 2002 as way of documenting 400 years of African

American History and presenting knowledge for the next generation.

Losing My Goal Means Losing My Soul

This book is an act of love, dedicated to my African American ancestors. I will take the reader back through time, over the past 400 years, sharing the history of soul food via its historical journey from Africa to the Americas North and South and the Caribbean. This will be an emotional and hopefully enlightening journey through time as we stroll together through my virtual historical museum.

Memories and the stories from the mouths of ancient elders was the only way that our African American culinary histories and contributions to mankind were passed from one continent and one generation on to the next. These stories still exist because of the power of our oral history. Not only were recipes passed from one relative to the next, but also their inventions, agricultural contributions, and folklore related to the many soul food dishes that we now know and love. They have almost become a part of our DNA. When many speak about their ancestors favorite dishes, those memories are relayed with so much passion, honor and love.