Kerry Awia Markey

Soul Food is a huge part of the history and heart of America.
But in 2011 has Soul Food lost its soul?

Hushpuppies, Hoe Cakes, Fried Catfish, Neck Bones, Collard greens, Chitterlings and Hog Maws...

What does Soul Food mean to the people who cook it and enjoy eating it?   What does it mean to you?

Starting from Harlem, I will interview cooks in home kitchens and Soul Food cafes, and food writers, and produce an illustrated book about Soul Food.

I want to record their stories, recipes and memories before they are lost in the fast food landscape of burgers and curly fries!

My book will be a feast of juicy facts and flavours, photos, recipes, history and memoirs.
It will be unique.

It will explore and celebrate Soul Food and what it is: its history born from slavery, its impact and contribution to American cooking, its modern day evolution, and its place in contemporary African American culture, and the American diet.

This project combines my passions for people, African American history, and food.
It will be self-published and include interviews, anecdotes, folklore, old and new recipes, art and illustrations.

I am a freelance writer, portrait painter, and graphic designer with book design experience with Scholastic, Pascall Press, and McGraw-Hill Australia, so I know what is involved to produce a book and I have both the commercial and creative skills to achieve it.

Your contribution

With your help, my funds will be used for economy air travel and accommodation, book design and production, editing, printing and postage of a limited number of books.

After the trip I am taking two months unpaid leave to collate the images, interviews, and recipes ready for printing.

If I exceed my target of $12,000 then I can extend my stay and interview more people. I aim to publish my book in early 2012.

Share the journey with me

Please visit my Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Has-soul-food-lost-its-soul/132499806816307

Drop by my page and say hello and tell me what Soul Food means to you?
TWITTER @juicy_words

If you want to know more, or suggest a Soul Food restaurant, or people to interview, send me an email: [email protected]

I need your help to make it happen

Can you help me spread the word?

Media attention in both Australia and America will help publicize my project so I can find even more people to interview.

I hope you’ll be part of this exciting Soul Food adventure.

Thank you. <3

Kerry Awia Markey