Black History Month, celebrated each year in February, is a chance for Americans to learn more about their nation’s history.
Black History Month started as Negro History Week in the United States in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and set aside the 2nd week of February to recognize the achievements of Black Americans.
In February 1969, Black students and educators at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, proposed Black History Month. It was followed by the 1st celebration of Black History Month on campus and locally 1 year later. Fast-forward 6 years. Black History Month became widely celebrated across the country in schools, colleges and community centers. In 1976, President Gerald Ford praised Black History Month, urging all citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Celebrating Black History Month at Publix
To recognize the rich history of Black Americans, we join chef Deborah VanTrece and restauranteur Zak Wallace as they tour Atlanta’s landmarks and neighborhoods that define their culinary journeys. In a series of videos on the Publix website, Deborah and Zak explore history and places that created pioneering culinary traditions.
Deborah began her culinary career in 1994 when she graduated valedictorian of her class at the Art Institute. Working as an executive chef for a catering company in 1996, she enjoyed great success during the Centennial Olympics in Atlanta. She is now the owner and chef of numerous award-winning restaurants in the Atlanta region, including Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours. Her dishes are rooted in soul food, elevated with her trademark international dining flair.
Zak is the founder and owner of Local Green, an eatery that provides plant-based cuisine to Atlanta and Orlando, Florida, communities. Born in southwest Atlanta, he grew up in a food desert, an area with limited access to nutritious and affordable food. He saw the effects of food insecurity — how poor eating habits negatively impacted the health and well-being of his community. In 2017, he decided to make a difference. Starting with a Local Green Atlanta food truck, Zak built awareness for tasty, fulfilling, healthy dishes throughout Atlanta’s historic Vine City. Now, he is taking his vision and mission beyond Atlanta. Last year he opened a new food truck at Disney Springs near Orlando.
In the video series, Deborah reimagines traditional chicken and dumplings, and Zak shares his new favorite recipe for quinoa salad. Check out more great content that celebrates our Black community’s rich culture and diversity at publix.com/blackhistorymonth.
Meet our associates
We also feature 3 associates sharing their thoughts about Publix as an inclusive environment and how diversity is valued. Check them out at youtube.com/publix.
- Bakery Product Support April Taylor, Atlanta.
- Seafood Specialist Willie L. Whitfield, #1385, Sarasota, Florida.
- Assistant Pharmacy Manager Tomi Treasure, #1466, Cary, North Carolina.
Publix honors these 3 associates and all of our Black associates for their contributions to making shopping a pleasure for our customers every day.
