Episode #15: Food, the Indispensable Tool in the Fight Democracy: The Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, and Black Lives Matter

In the first part of this two-part episode, Lezli chats with Joanne Hyppolite, Ph.D., a Museum Curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). They explore how and why food and restaurants served as indispensable tools in the fight for democracy during the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. During Part two, Lezli chats with Louisville based James Beard Award-winning Chef Edward Lee. Lee talks about the Community Kitchen he opened in Louisville during BLM’s wake and named in honor of David McAtee. McAtee was a beloved chef, community pillar, and owner of YaYa’s BBQ in the West End of Louisville. A member of the National Guard fatally shot him in the early hours of June 1st. Lee shares what his goals for the kitchen are and what measurable progress looks like to him.

Relevant and Recommended Reads

• 7 Restaurants that Fueled the Civil Rights Movement 

• How the Black Panthers’ Breakfast Program Both Inspired and Threatened the Government

• Who is David McAtee: Louisville Barbecue store owner killed by police

• In Memory of David McAtee And Breonna Taylor, Healing Through Cooking And Community

Podcast Team = Lezli Levene Harvell (Host & Executive Producer) / Justin Bates (Sound Engineer)