Today’s conversation is with food enthusiast, storyteller, and creative strategist Jon Gray. Jon is the co-founder and self-proclaimed dishwasher of Ghetto Gastro— a collective that uses food as a medium to ignite conversations about race, inequity, and inclusivity. Jon’s love affair with the Bronx, usage of mixed media, and desire to build new narratives that empower black and brown people, teaches us the importance of having pride in your roots and staying true to yourself.
In today’s conversation, we’re reminded of the importance of staying true to ourselves. We explore themes such as the value of fostering deep connections, the importance of perseverance, and we journey into why trusting your instincts can be your greatest tool.
What to read
Pre-order Black Power Kitchen - Ghetto Gastro by Jon Gray, Pierre Serrano, Lester Walker (Drops 10.18.22)
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook by Marcus Samuelsson, Yewande Komolafe, Osayi Endolyn
People mentioned
Thelma Golden - Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem
Curator, critic & author Kimberly Drew
Graphic Artist Emory Douglas
Artist Jamel Robinson
Co-Founder of ArtNoir & President of Saint Heron Carolyn Concepcion
Larry Ossei-Mensah Curator & Co-founder of @artnoirco
Artist Derrick Adams
Richelieu Dennis - Founder & CEO of Sundial Brands, maker of SheaMoisture
Learn more about Jon Gray
Check out Ghetto Gastro’s appliance collection CRUXGG
Jon Gray's of Ghetto Gastro, Cooper Hewitt Installation
Watch Jon Gray's (Ghetto Gasto) TedTalk
What to listen to
Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud by James Brown
DNA. by Kendrick Lamar
