Adrian Miller, CSP

Tracing soul food’s journey from West Africa to the American West, Adrian offers a fresh look at this iconic cuisine and its evolution. He delves into the cultural significance of soul food from its origins through Emancipation and beyond, and explores how it remains vibrant and relevant today. This presentation draws on his James Beard Award-winning book, Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.

This presentation offers an in-depth look at Emancipation celebrations that emerged in the nineteenth century and what they meant to African Americans. Adrian takes your audience on the journey through Juneteenth’s origin, history, significance, and food traditions, as well as the social justice issues that continue to resonate today.

What’s the difference between borrowing, stealing, and celebrating culture, and why does it matter? In this interactive session, Adrian breaks down how cultural appropriation happens, how it makes people feel, and how culture can be shared in ways that build respect instead of anger. Using real examples from fashion, food, music, slang, and everyday life, learn how to spot when cultural borrowing crosses the line, and discover practical ways that young people can foster real understanding and unity, not just trends. Drawing on his work in faith, food writing, law, politics, and racial reconciliation, Adrian gives you tools for building meaningful connections with others.