Deah Berry Mitchell is a historian, speaker, author, and entrepreneur dedicated to preserving Black cultural heritage. She contributes to the New York Times and writes a regular column, "The Dish, with Deah," for the Fort Worth Report. Deah authored "Cornbread & Collard Greens: How West African Cuisine & Slavery Influenced Soul Food" in 2019.
She serves on the Dallas County Historical Commission and has been appointed the City of Dallas’ Historian in Residence. In this role, she is developing the Freedom Trail app, which uses augmented reality to highlight African American historical sites. Deah also runs the Soul of DFW bus tours, educating the community on Black culture through cuisine and local history. A fifth-generation Texan, she is deeply rooted in her heritage.
Deah is a PhD student in history and a teaching fellow at the University of North Texas, focusing on American Historical Foodways. Deah was chosen as a Kingsford Preserve the Pit Fellow for 2023 due to her work to preserve Black cultural heritage and amplify the voices of Black-owned restaurants. She has been awarded the 2023-2024 Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy & the Culinary Arts Fellowship in Food History. Additionally, she is a board member of the National Juneteenth Museum.
Participants will explore the importance of creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity. This engaging keynote offers practical strategies for building a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration. Attendees will learn to recognize and overcome biases, support marginalized voices, and promote equity in their companies. Through inspiring stories and actionable insights, this session empowers individuals and teams to embrace differences and foster a more inclusive and innovative workplace.
Join Deah Berry Mitchell, a PhD student specializing in American Historical Foodways, to explore Black culture through cuisine and local history. Deah's work aims to preserve Black cultural heritage and amplify the voices of Black-owned restaurants. She received the 2023-2024 Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy & the Culinary Arts Fellowship in Food History. Attendees will gain insights into Black culture's rich culinary traditions and historical significance.
Deah, an expert in Southern and African American food and culture, will deliver an inspiring talk this Black History Month. The event will delve into the rich history of these cuisines, exploring their cultural significance and evolution. Attendees will better understand the historical context and cultural impact of Southern and African American food traditions.
This talk, led by Deah Berry Mitchell, combines Juneteenth celebrations with exploring Black food history. Attendees will learn about the cultural significance of Juneteenth and how traditional foods can play a role in the festivities.
Deah can discuss the pivotal role of Dallas/Fort Worth in igniting civil rights across the USA, delve into the history of Freedmen communities, or highlight the significant impact of local Black women on American history. Attendees will learn about the crucial contributions of these communities and individuals to the broader civil rights movement. Deah is currently developing a history app for the City of Dallas.
Deah's talk, "Discovering Texas' Successful Black Entrepreneurs: 1875-1975," delves into the inspiring stories of Black business leaders who thrived in Texas over a century. Despite facing systemic challenges, she highlights their innovative strategies, resilience, and significant contributions to the state's economy. Attendees will learn about the historical context, key figures, and the lasting impact of these entrepreneurs on their communities and beyond.
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