Hello All!
Habari Gani!
Alafia!
Ago!
This is the 45th Anniversary of Odunde in PHILADELPHIA - normally the streets would be filled with merchants, celebrators, music, wonderful food, live entertainment from all over Africa, Philly, and the Eastern Seaboard. We would have had several workshops and receptions for African Dignitaries and Ambassadors, and would have enjoyed some of the most fabulous African cuisine by our wonderful Sister/Friend Youma Ba of Senegal. She is the owner of two restaurants, Kilimandjaro and Youma's - both of which were always packed with patrons - that is until the Coronavirus plandemic hit the US.
Not to be thwarted, there will be a virtual cooking class for those of us who have been trying to pry her cooking secrets from her - and those of you who love to cook, who love African food, and who, like me, always manage to sneak an extra helping of her sumptuous food home so you can have some for later you might want to be online tomorrow to get a once in a lifetime opportunity to see how it's done. I've been trying to get Youma to do a cook book for quite some time - this may be your only chance.
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of enjoying her cuisine - be prepared to be amazed when she finally reopens her restaurants.
I have dubbed Youma "Elegant One!" She wears the most beautiful, amazing clothes on the planet. She is always graceful and gracious, with a ready smile, and that pleasant throaty voice of hers. Her accent is a combination of Senegalese/French/English - and is powerful and passionate. During the plandemic Youma prepared meals free of charge and delivered them to seniors, hospitals, first respondents throughout Philadelphia - enlisting the assistance of her staff, and her adorable 10 year old daughter.
She is the founder of Echoes of Africa, an organization that tries to share the cultural traditions of Africa with African Americans; and is also a member of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs (Philadelphia). Her compassion, friendship and support have made her a much beloved and highly popular personage.
So set your palates and get ready to learn how it's done in Senegal.
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| The Hon. Stanley L. Straughter - Chair of Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs |
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| L-R Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao and Ambassador from Senegal along with two participants (2018) |
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| Oshunbumi West - Daughter of Lois Fernandez, founder of Odunde |
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| City Council Rep and Founder of Odunde Jannie Blackwell with Mayor Jim Kenney |
Frankly I'm going to be front and center for this. I've been wanting to learn her secret for Yassa and Kingfish for quite some time.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
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| GLORIA DULAN-WILSON |
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