Jessica B. Harris

Jessica B. Harris

Jessica B. Harris

Name	Jessica B. Harris
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater	Bryn Mawr College, Queens College, City University of New York
Occupation	Food historian, author, professor
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Jessica B. Harris (born March 18, 1948) is an American food historian, author, and professor. She is known for her extensive research and writings on the culinary traditions of the African diaspora.

Early Life and Education

Harris was born on March 18, 1948, in New York City, New York. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in French from Bryn Mawr College, followed by a Master's degree in French literature from Queens College. She later earned a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from the City University of New York.

Career

Harris has dedicated her career to studying and documenting the foodways of the African diaspora. She has authored numerous books on the subject, including Iron Pots and Wooden Spoons: Africa's Gifts to New World Cooking and High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America. Her works explore the historical, cultural, and social significance of African-influenced cuisine in the Americas.

In addition to her writing, Harris has taught at various institutions, including Queens College, New York University, and the University of California, Berkeley. She has also served as a consultant for culinary projects and has appeared in various media outlets to discuss African diaspora food traditions.

Bibliography

• Iron Pots and Wooden Spoons: Africa's Gifts to New World Cooking (1989)
• The Welcome Table: African-American Heritage Cooking (1995)
• Sky Juice and Flying Fish: Traditional Caribbean Cooking (1991)
• High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America (2011)
• My Soul Looks Back: A Memoir (2017)

Awards and Recognition

Harris's contributions to the field of food history and African diaspora studies have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards, including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Her books have also been acclaimed for their scholarly rigor and engaging storytelling.

Personal Life

Harris currently resides in New York City. She continues to write, teach, and advocate for the preservation and celebration of African diaspora food traditions.

See Also

• African diaspora
• Culinary traditions
• James Beard Foundation