Food has become a major influence when it comes to the tourism industry. According to the Market Data Forecast, the global culinary market in the US was worth $1.31 billion in 2022. As more new restaurants, festivals and culinary pop-ups emerge across the country, food is becoming a driving force for travel decisions.
Black American culinary culture is evolving right alongside these changes in the tourism industry. From Black food truck parking lots to festivals celebrating the authenticity of Black cuisine, gastronomic events celebrating Black food have been popping up all over the country. These events are creating a new niche of food-based travel that are influencing where travelers are headed.
Black Food is Community
Aisha James founded the Taste of Black St. Louis in 2018. The event has continued to grow over the years, becoming St. Louis’ premier festival highlighting Black culinary professionals. James said she designed the event as a way to shine a light on the various Black chefs, cooks and vendors whose food is a driving force in the community. With food being a major part of Black culture, she felt it was time to spotlight the scene blossoming in the Midwest.
“In the Black community, everything is done around food,” James said. “That’s really pretty much the center and the core of us.”
This year, the Taste Of Black St. Louis welcomed over 25,000 guests to the festival in September. There were over 100 food vendors serving everything from West Indian and African cuisine. James said the diversity in Black food culture is a major reason why Black gastronomic events are needed. This showcases that Black food is not a monolith.
“Just as there are different shades of melanin in the black community, you have just as many variations of food,” she said.
A Place Cultivated For Us
James isn’t the only reinforcing the importance of Black food events in the US. Many other cities including Chicago, Nashville, and Memphis have Taste of Black food festivals every year.
James also believes Black gastronomic events are a platform for upcoming Black culinary stars to break industry barriers. She remembers young chefs and culinary enthusiasts vending during the first festival in 2018. Since then, many of them have advanced in the industry. Some have went on to open brick and mortar restaurants, win awards and compete on The Food Network competitions. While they all reached their goals due to hard work and dedication, James is thankful the Taste of Black St. Louis is a part of their journey to success.
“To have some part of their story say that they were a vendor at the Taste of Black St. Louis, it’s the best feeling ever,” she said.
James said other cuisines are highlighted in the mainstream media. Black gastronomic events fill the gap to show how Black food is making an impact. These events foster community and are a safe space for Black travelers and locals.
“It’s not to knock any other festival or event; it’s just basically just saying this is actually for me, and it was cultivated for me,” she said.
