Can food be the catalyst for acceptance of diversity and a greater understanding between races? I’ve spent my adult life trying to prove this true; my story-telling and cooking demonstrations are also a journal of my journey.As the third daughter (considered unlucky in a Chinese family), I consider myself lucky to be born closer to Canton, Georgia than Canton, China. My parents ... Continue Reading
Opening Minds, One Mouth at a Time: Confronting COVID Bigotry, Supporting Women of Color
Award-winning chef, entrepreneur, writer, and advocate are just some of the hats Natalie Keng wears. Keng’s Chinese Southern Belle (chinesesouthernbelle.com) is a multi-faceted business that uses food to build healthy, sustainable communities, support diversity, and strong local economies. Along with her beloved mom, Margaret, the Atlanta native offers cooking classes, ... Continue Reading
COVID-19 Doesn’t Discriminate and Neither Should We
As we come to grips with multiple and related health, social, economic inequities (including housing, public education and food access) and ways to close the gap, from policy changes to implementation and enforcement, I am reminded of an old Chinese saying from my grandparents as they shared stories of living through war, invasion and communism. "The Chinese character/word ... Continue Reading
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Restaurants and the Food Industry– Challenges and Opportunities
Natalie Keng, and several industry experts, were interviewed by Restaurant Informer Magazine for their take on finding a way forward with diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The restaurant industry has been hard-hit by COVID-19 resulting in employment and human relations safety, welfare and wellness concerns making it 'the' opportune time to review, update or in ... Continue Reading
Black, Hispanic Kids Targeted by Ads for Junk Foods
Black, Hispanic Kids Targeted by Ads for Junk Foods Education, awareness (and exercise) are needed from all sides to address poor eating habits and improve children's health especially in low income communities: parents, kids, schools. Media isn't to blame but highly influential. Education and awareness obviously starts at home. Sedentary habits like watching more ... Continue Reading