RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – The Library of Virginia will present a free film screening of the new VPM documentary “Finding Edna Lewis,” followed by a panel discussion with the film’s host, Deb Freeman; Nina Williams-Mbengue, Edna Lewis' niece; and chef and culinary historian Leni Sorensen on Thursday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in its Lecture Hall.  

The event honors Virginia native and culinary icon Edna Lewis during the week that would have been her 109th birthday. The film follows Freeman — creator of “Setting the Table,” a critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning podcast exploring Black foodways and culinary history — on a journey to uncover the life of an American original. Little archival footage or audio featuring Lewis survives, but Freeman finds that memories of her remain strong not only among those who knew her best, but also among chefs who have discovered her cookbooks. 

Today, Lewis is an inspiration for a new generation of chefs, and Freeman tracks her legacy through conversations and cooking. The documentary features chefs and scholars including Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Adrienne Cheatham, Nicole Taylor, Mashama Bailey, Amethyst Galloway, Leah Branch and Sara B. Franklin to discover the trailblazing chef’s importance to America’s culinary canon. 

Registration is required at https://lva-virginia.libcal.com/event/13707273. Limited free parking is available underneath the Library at 800 East Broad Street. 

ABOUT THE LIBRARY OF VIRGINIA 
The Library of Virginia is the leading source of information on Virginia’s history, government and people. The Library’s collections, containing more than 134 million items, document and illustrate the lives of both famous Virginians and ordinary citizens. Our online resources draw nearly 2 million website visits per year, and our on-site records, exhibitions and events bring in thousands of visitors annually. The Library is located in downtown Richmond near Capitol Square at 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Learn more at www.lva.virginia.gov.

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