MUSKEGON, Mich — LaKisha Harris, better known as Chef L’ Soul, is getting ready for what she describes as the opportunity of a lifetime. She’s flying to Phoenix in July as the first Black woman to present on soul food at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) National Convention, presenting what she calls “culinary freedom of the soul”.
“I did a webinar presentation on soul food, what I call the 'culinary journey to freedom' and that was re-shared so many times on social media, the president of the American Culinary Federation reached out to me and asked if I could present at our national conference,” Harris said.
The ACF National Convention is the largest annual convention in North America where chefs, students and food service professionals from around the country gather for cooking demos, seminars and networking opportunities.
“The greatest part is being the first, I don't have to say that I copied anyone or that I got pointers,” Harris said. "I get to determine my destiny and fulfill that so to me, that's everything.”
Through her life’s highs and lows, she has been able to give back to her community, mentoring fellow chefs including Chef Brian Sanders. He said the sought-after chef helped change his life after being incarcerated.
“What a blessing for her organization to help me,” Sanders said. "It gave me hope that I can do more than just come home from being incarcerated and move forward and not struggle because I do have somebody on my side, Chef L’ Soul was by my side.”
The opportunity for Harris is far beyond her wildest dreams and she said the opportunity will have an impact on other Black women and men to continue telling the history and stories of soul food.
“The American Culinary Federation is the largest organization of chefs and culinary giants in the world,” Harris said. "To be able to present on this platform, and to represent West Michigan and Muskegon as the first Black woman in the United States to have this opportunity, all I can say is thank you, God.”
This upcoming fall, Harris will open up her new restaurant in downtown Muskegon. Visit her Facebook, Instagram or website for more information.
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