He calls himself a recovering lawyer and politico turned culinary historian, food writer and professional speaker.
Sprinkle in a healthy dose of faith and social justice activism and voilà — a Soul Food Scholar “dropping knowledge like hot biscuits!”
Somehow, Adrian Miller has managed to fashion a successful career intersecting his multitude of talents to the benefit of us all.
From the White House to Netflix
Some of you might recognize him from his star turn on the acclaimed Netflix docuseries, “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”.
Or perhaps you’ve encountered him on his cross-country travels.
He visited 150 restaurants in 35 cities as he researched his James Beard Award-winning book, “Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time.”
He received a second James Beard Award just this year for his most recent book, “Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue.”
Oh — and he worked in Bill Clinton’s White House as Deputy Director of the President’s Initiative for One America addressing racism, ethics and religious issues of reconciliation.
So there’s that…
Not to mention his skills as a gifted storyteller and speaker with a wicked sense of humor.
Finding his Calling
Early in his career, Adrian aspired to represent his home state of Colorado in the U.S. Senate.
Instead, he has found a unique and compelling way to contribute to our national discourse using scholarship, food and faith to help bridge our divides.
As Executive Director of the Colorado Council of Churches, Adrian works to build interfaith relationships and advocate on social justice issues.
Clearly we have a lot to talk about, including some fun, food facts from my childhood during the Switch it Up segment at the end. So don’t miss it!
Be Featured on Our Voices Matter
Speaking of fun, food facts, we’d love to hear yours! You might even win a prize.
Send us a quick phone video sharing one of your favorite food memories. Bonus if your memory is about bringing people together.
We’ll use your videos to create a special episode of OVM just in time for the holidays.
The OVM team will vote on the best video and the winner of a $100 Visa gift card will be announced when the episode drops on December 1st..
The deadline to upload your video is Friday, November 18, 2022.
I can’t wait to see it. So get to it!