Tickets to the 3rd annual Dakar NOLA presents Afro Freedom Afro Feast are now on sale. The Juneteenth event is set for Sunday, June 16, from 3 – 8 p.m. at Grow Dat Youth Farm in New Orleans City Park. The culinary celebration gathers New Orleans’ finest chefs, cooking over open flames reminiscent of African American ancestors. Juneteenth honors the day when the last African American slaves were freed in 1865.
Local chefs and restaurateurs including Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and BABs, Charly Pierre of the Haitian restaurant Fritai, Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, Prince Lobo of the Ethiopian restaurant Addis NOLA, Kaitlin Guerin of Lagniappe Bakehouse, and Shonda Cross of Chef Shonda’s Fine Dining To-Go will curate a delectable experience, creating a communal feast planting a legacy of unity and respect.
“As a youth-serving organization committed to equity, solidarity, and love of land, we take pride in the land we steward being used as a space for folks across the African diaspora to commune, to celebrate, and to honor our ancestors on Juneteenth,” says Julia Gables, the farm’s director.
Afro Freedom Afro Feast will partner with several New Orleans community organizations such as students from New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)– a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that educates a diverse community of learners to sustain an ever-evolving hospitality industry—who will assist the featured chefs. Turning Tables –a unique workforce development program that provides current and aspiring Black and Brown beverage professionals real opportunity, technical training and industry access—will staff the bars at Afro Freedom Afro Feast. In support of the work at Grow Dat Youth Farm, a silent auction will take place throughout the afternoon, with partial proceeds benefiting them.
“Afro Freedom Afro Feast brings us together to commemorate history, celebrate culinary artistry, and inspire our community while supporting the growth of our local youth,” said Chef Mbaye. “I’m excited to celebrate this event for a third year with our guest chefs at Grow Dat Youth Farm.”
The event is sponsored by: Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, Lodge Cast Iron, Mountain Valley Spring Water, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute, Resy, TABASCO®, Turning Tables, Uncle Nearest, and Garden & Gun.
