The Global Food and Drink Initiative

About GFDI

The Global Food and Drink Initiative (GFDI) is a James Beard Award-winning 501c3 nonprofit that uses the power of storytelling to preserve food histories and cultures of the African diaspora.

Our mission is carried out through our work that includes publishing our digital platform Cuisine Noir and producing the podcast Diaspora Food Stories in tandem with education programs and collaborations that foster spaces where diverse and inclusive stories can be told and remembered.

Working to Preserve Our Stories

Cuisine Noir

Cuisine Noir became the first Black food media outlet in 2009 to intentionally and unapologetically champion stories about people of African descent globally.

With more than 1000 stories preserved between its digital platform and print publications, Cuisine Noir continues to lead the way in connecting the African diaspora through food, drink and travel.

Diaspora Food Stories

The true power of storytelling is when we can hear one’s story unapologetically in their own words and the Diaspora Food podcast was created to do just that.

Launched in 2022, GFDI continues to move its mission forward by providing a platform for stories that can only be told by those how live them and in languages that bring them to life.

Preserving Black Stories Takes Global Support!

There has never been a better time than now to make sure important Black food stories are preserved for history and future generations. Supporting our work through a donation is a powerful act in helping us to change wrongful narratives and amplify Black voices.

The Global Food and Drink Initiative is a registered 501c3. All donations are 100% tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.