5:30 to 6:30 Film screening, “Finding Edna Lewis”
6:30 to 7:15 Panel Discussion with:
Deb Freeman, Exec. Producer of the film and award-winning food writer and podcaster.
Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery and only African American chocolate manufacturer in the United States. She is known for the iconic Caramel Cake and line of chocolate confections, “Life Is Sweet.”
Chef Cliff Rome, founder of Rome’s Joy Companies which includes Parkway Social, Peaches restaurant, Rome’s Joy Catering and partner with Bon Appetit Management, providing catering and food services to the Obama Presidential Center, opening in 2026.
Charla L. Draper, moderator, culinary consultant and founder of National Soul Food Month, celebrating 24 years of recognition.
7:15 to 8:30 Reception with Edna Lewis inspired appetizers.
A portion of net proceeds from this event will be donated to scholarship funds for the Edna Lewis Foundation and Les Dames d’ Escoffier Chicago Chapter.
*Free Parking, available at 60th Street and Drexel avenue, just west of Logan Center.