The Recipe with Kenji and Deb
Before Kenji and Deb, there was Lena
Apr 14, 2025
Ashley Rose Young, a historian at the Smithsonian's American Food History Project, dives into the extraordinary life of Lena Richard, a groundbreaking African American chef. Lena rose to fame long before Julia Child, overcoming racial and gender barriers to become a culinary icon in New Orleans. The conversation explores her innovative recipes, including the famous gumbo, and the challenges she faced in a segregated society. Young highlights Lena's enduring legacy and her significant contributions to American culinary traditions.
32:30
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Quick takeaways
- Lena Richard's groundbreaking television appearances broke racial barriers and established her as a culinary authority during the Jim Crow era.
- Her 1939 cookbook, the first Creole cookbook by an African American, challenged stereotypes and empowered future generations of chefs.
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