Ep 4. Freedom

In season 1 episode 4 of High on the Hog, titled "Freedom," viewers are taken on a journey through the evolution of African American cuisine following the Emancipation Proclamation. Host Stephen Satterfield explores the ways in which newly freed Black Americans used food as a means of reclaiming their cultural identity while also navigating the challenges of segregation and discrimination.

The episode begins with a look at the history of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. Satterfield travels to Galveston, Texas, where the holiday originated, to speak with local chefs and historians about the significance of the day and how food plays a central role in the celebrations.

The episode then shifts to a discussion of the challenges that African Americans faced in the decades following emancipation. Satterfield explores how segregation and discrimination limited opportunities for Black chefs and restaurateurs, making it difficult for them to establish themselves in an industry dominated by white-owned businesses. He speaks with descendants of some of the earliest Black chefs and restaurateurs, learning about the innovative ways they found to make a living, and how they used food to create a sense of community and pride.

Throughout the episode, Satterfield visits a number of different locations to experience the range of African American cuisine on offer. He visits a soul food restaurant in New York City, tasting dishes like fried chicken and collard greens while discussing the history of soul food in America. He also travels to New Orleans, where he explores the influence of Creole cuisine and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the local Black community.

The episode also delves into the ways in which African American cuisine has been appropriated by white chefs and food critics, often without acknowledgement of the originators of the dishes. Satterfield talks to chefs and food writers about the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to American cuisine.

Ultimately, "Freedom" is an exploration of the resilience and creativity of Black Americans in the face of adversity. Through food, they were able to reclaim their cultural heritage and build communities, even in the face of discrimination and segregation. The episode is a celebration of the rich and diverse traditions of African American cuisine, and a reminder that the cultural exchange of food goes both ways – it is not just a one-sided story of appropriation, but a story of people coming together to share their experiences and create something new.