Ta-Nehisi Coates
Each year, the Southern Foodways Alliance hosts a symposium honoring all things Southern and edible. This year’s event is Oct. 23-26 at the Lyric.
“During our 17th Southern Foodways Symposium, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and ask questions about inclusion and exclusion today,” said John T. Edge, food writer and Southern Foodways Alliance director. “The symposium is sold out, full to the brim, flat-out overflowing.”
While the event sold out in August, excitement began stirring as announcements were made about speakers.
Speakers this year include Ta-Nehisi Coates, national correspondent for The Atlantic; Clay Risen, New York Times op-ed editor and author of “The Bill of the Century” and Marcie Cohen Ferris, author of “The Edible South.” The Root, an online magazine based on black culture and influence, lists Coates as the top black influencer this year.
The Root’s list encompasses “African-Americans 45 years old and younger who are responsible for the year’s most significant moments and themes.”
The symposium is not open to the public and limits attendees from the university. But Edge said the alliance is pleased to invite faculty, staff and students to hear a select group of speakers during this year’s symposium.
“We realize that each of these speakers will address challenging and timely topics of interest to the University,” Edge said. “So, we’re delighted to offer a limited number of seats to interested members of the UM community.”
In order to receive a ticket, email Afton Thomas, afton@southernfoodways.org, by Thursday, Oct, 16.Tickets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, and each ticket admits one person to the second floor of the Lyric.
“We’ll let you know if you secured a ticket and where to pick them up on Friday, Oct. 17,” Edge said.
