Miles Francisco is a third-year student at the University of Oklahoma studying Political Science and African and African American Studies with minors in International Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. Miles is passionate about social justice and creating a more just world for all. Miles believes strongly in the power of people when they […]
BBQ Research–Memphis Edition
BBQ Research—Memphis Edition Day 1 A nice group of adventurers joined me for this trip. Thanks to Gary Guesnier, Jennifer Biggs, Ashley-Dior Thomas, Wayne Lohman, Chef Raymond Jackson, Angie King Keesee, Dave Mekeel and Joe York! I really appreciated y’all’s help in ordering a lot of food so that I could sample a lot of […]
BBQ Research–Historic Nicodemus, Kansas Edition
A few years ago, I learned of Ernestine Van Duvall, a barbecue and soul food artist who had strong ties to Nicodemus, Kansas–the oldest black settlement west of the Mississippi River. I thought it would be a great story for my forthcoming book on African American barbecue culture, so I reached out to Angela […]
Chicago BBQ Research Trip–Southside Edition
The research for Black Smoke, my forthcoming book on African American barbecue culture, is underway! I took my first trip to Chicago, and explored the city’s south side. That area has been predominantly African American for several decades. Saturday, July 21st Most barbecue joints on Chicago’s south side are takeout joints. So, I decided to […]