Rice is a powerful and fascinating grain that feeds more than half of the world’s population every day. A staple on tables from Mississippi to Madagascar, Beijing to Bangkok, and Santiago to South Carolina, rice has a rich history. Domesticated in Asia and Africa thousands of years ago, it played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade and is often surrounded by historical misconceptions.

This educational workshop will take you on a global journey through the story of rice. You’ll learn about its importance to the Southern United States and African American foodways, its disconnection and reconnection to Black farmers and culture, and how industrialized rice production contributes to global warming. Additionally, you’ll discover how a small group of Black farmers in the U.S. is joining a global movement to reverse the social and ecological damage caused by rice’s history.

By the end of the presentation, you’ll have a renewed appreciation for every grain of rice on your plate.