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Documentary screening to honor culinary pioneer Edna Lewis at Library of Virginia

Free Press staff report | 4/10/2025, 6 p.m.
The Library of Virginia will host a free screening of “Finding Edna Lewis,” followed by a panel discussion onThursday, April …
Edna Lewis

The Library of Virginia will host a free screening of “Finding Edna Lewis,” followed by a panel discussion on Thursday, April 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event celebrates the Virginia-born chef during what would have been her 109th birthday week.

The documentary follows food historian Deb Freeman, host of the award-winning podcast “Setting the Table,” as she traces Lewis’ influence on American cuisine. With limited existing recordings of Lewis, Freeman pieces together her legacy through interviews with chefs, scholars and those who knew her personally.

Panelists will include Freeman; Nina Williams-Mbengue, Lewis’ niece; and culinary historian Leni Sorensen. The film also features commentary from notable chefs and writers including Dr. Jessica B. Harris, Adrienne Cheatham and Mashama Bailey.

Registration is required for the event in the library’s lecture hall. Free parking is available at 800 E. Broad St.

For more information or to register, visit va-virginia.libcal.com.