Honoring Black History: February is Black History Month, and Washington County Public Schools is proud to recognize the incredible contributions of notable individuals throughout history. This provides a special opportunity to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and resiliency of Black communities and to deepen our understanding of their lasting impact on society.
In celebration of Black History Month, the WCPS School Nutrition Department highlighted Leah Chase, known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. We had a special menu item celebrating her life and dedication to bringing people together through food. Leah Chase’s restaurant, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, became an important meeting place for civil rights leaders during the 1960s. She opened her doors to activists and leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and others who needed a safe place for strategy and discussion. The restaurant provided not only great meals, but also a sense of solidarity and hope, playing a crucial role in the fight for racial equality. Through Chase’s impact on Creole cuisine and commitment to her community, she became a driving force in the kitchen and in maintaining cultural heritage and unity. Today, our students enjoyed a special tasting of gumbo, inspired by Chase! We believe that through meals like this, there can be conversations and a deeper appreciation for the valuable contributions towards American food traditions by chefs like Leah Chase.
Check out this fun video one of our staff members enjoying gumbo! https://youtube.com/shorts/VgPB1VqiLqE?feature=shared
Photo of Leah Chase Courtesy of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
