For Gabrielle E.W. Carter, cooking is about the culture — and how to preserve it
On the last Saturday of September, keeping the culture looked like Carter working in conjunction with members of her community to host a dinner under the stars on a nonfunctioning farm. The land is owned by a friend, but first belonged to the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, and guests were welcomed by Vivette Jeffries-Logan, a.k.a. Morning Star, in Tutulo, the language of her people. Her longtime friend, first-time professional collaborator, Germane James, helped coordinate the logistics; Brian Kennedy and Samantha Kotey, more friends, served as sous-chefs; Marcella Camara contributed an African-inspired cheese board; and Charla Rios created two large pieces of artwork to hang from the pillars of the open barn. For Carter, bringing in others is part of the fun.
