Join us for a free screening of the new VPM documentary “Finding Edna Lewis,” followed by a panel discussion with the film’s host, Deb Freeman; Nina Williams-Mbengue, Edna Lewis' niece; and chef and culinary historian Leni Sorensen. The event honors Virginia native and culinary icon Edna Lewis during the week that would have been her 109th birthday.

The film follows Freeman — creator of “Setting the Table,” a critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning podcast exploring Black foodways and culinary history — on a journey to uncover the life of an American original. Little archival footage or audio featuring Lewis survives, but Freeman finds that memories of her remain strong not only among those who knew her best, but also among chefs who have discovered her cookbooks. 

Today, Lewis is an inspiration for a new generation of chefs, and Freeman tracks her legacy through conversations and cooking. The documentary features chefs and scholars including Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Adrienne Cheatham, Nicole Taylor, Mashama Bailey, Amethyst Galloway, Leah Branch and Sara B. Franklin to discover the trailblazing chef’s importance to America’s culinary canon. 

This is a free event, but registration is required. Seating in the Lecture Hall is available on a first come, first served basis. Limited free parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street. For more information, contact Anne McCrery at anne.mccrery@lva.virginia.gov or 804.692.3568.