Given that food journalism is a field in which the black experience has historically been marginalized, the choice of a career in food journalism wouldn't seem like an obvious one for a person of color, as one might expect. Yet despite the odds, some seemingly intrepid people of color, motivated primarily by their passion and interests, have chosen this career path, made a success of it and are happy to share their war stories and secrets. This episode of The Sidebar features three outstanding food journalists of color, who cover the subject from different angles, including reporting, photography, blogging and podcasting. In sharing their experiences, they address such matters as why it is important to have black journalists in the mix of food journalism; how to develop and pitch food stories plus the dos and don'ts of writing and blogging about restaurants; how to create a unique blog brand; how they recommend a would-be food journalist start their career in the field and so much more.
Some of the nuggets of wisdom that our panelists dispense in the episode include the notion that those new to the field should just stick with it when the going gets tough and to always keep in mind that the job "is a marathon, not a sprint"; also that they should read a lot from different places and from different angles and, above all, to believe in themselves and not be afraid to make mistakes.
The conversation will be moderated by restaurant entrepreneur ADENAH BAYOH, and the panelists are KAYLA STEWART, the award-winning food and travel writer; JESSE SPARKS, senior editor at Eater and host of the One Recipe podcast; and JENNE CLAIBORNE, a vegan chef, blogger and author of the cookbook Sweet Potato Soul.
The opinions heard in this episode belong to the individuals who made them and not to NYABJ. Music by HoliznaRAPS.
