Michael W. Twitty

Michael Twitty

Michael W. Twitty is an American culinary historian, author, and blogger, best known for his work on African-American culinary history and the cultural heritage of African-American foodways. Born in Washington, D.C., Twitty has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the culinary traditions of the African-American ancestors who were enslaved in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Michael W. Twitty was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. From a young age, he developed an interest in cooking and history, inspired by his family's stories and his own experiences in the kitchen. Twitty pursued his education in African-American Studies and anthropology, focusing on the intersection of culture, history, and food.

Career

Twitty's career as a culinary historian took off with the launch of his blog, Afroculinaria, where he explores the roots of African-American cuisine and its impact on the American culinary landscape. His work extends beyond the blog, including presentations, cooking demonstrations, and historical reenactments at historical sites and institutions across the country.

In 2017, Twitty published The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, a comprehensive exploration of Southern cuisine and its African-American roots. The book received critical acclaim, winning the 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Writing. In The Cooking Gene, Twitty traces his ancestry through food, from Africa to America, exploring the complex narrative of race, culture, and cuisine in the American South.

Themes and Impact

Twitty's work is characterized by its deep dive into the often overlooked contributions of African-American cooks and chefs in shaping American cuisine. He addresses themes of identity, heritage, and the politics of food, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants. Through his writing and public speaking, Twitty advocates for culinary justice and the recognition of African-American foodways as an integral part of American culture.

Publications

• The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South (2017)

Awards and Recognition

• 2018 James Beard Foundation Book Award for Writing for The Cooking Gene

See Also

• Culinary history
• African-American culture
• Southern cuisine
• James Beard Foundation Awards