Join us for an unforgettable celebration of history, heritage, and flavor as we honor one of America’s true—yet long overlooked—culinary founding fathers: James Hemings. This special event features a screening of the acclaimed documentary James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen, a powerful exploration of the life, brilliance, and erasure of the French-trained chef whose innovations helped shape what we know today as American cuisine. Through insights from food historians, celebrated chefs, and scholars of race and the African American diaspora, the film sheds light on Hemings’s remarkable story—his mastery, his contributions, and his enduring legacy. Enslaved and trained in the kitchens of France, James Hemings blended Virginian, French, and African influences to create dishes that became American staples, including the beloved macaroni and cheese. His legacy, along with the contributions of other early African American chefs such as Peter Hemings, Edith Fossett, and her sons Joseph and William Fossett, has only recently begun to receive the recognition it deserves. And now—it’s your turn to honor his legacy through food! We’re inviting the community to showcase their best mac and cheese recipes in our Mac and Cheese Bake-Off. Whether your dish is classic, creative, or boldly unconventional, we want to taste what you bring to the table! The winner will receive a gift card from a local restaurant. Registrations of mac and cheese submissions must be made no later than February 13th.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
There is never a shortage of things to do or see in the Hub City. If you are looking for something to do, we encourage you to sift through the many events listed here.
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Baked into American Cuisine: The Story of James Hemings Featuring a Community Mac & Cheese Bake-Off!
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 United States