Memphis to Host Juneteenth Dinner Celebrating Black Excellence

News Summary

Memphis will celebrate Black culture and culinary excellence with a seven-course plant-based dinner titled “Umami Amora,” organized by Daishu McGriff. Scheduled for June 14, this event highlights the contributions of Black chefs, fostering community connection and showcasing diverse cultural heritage through food. As McGriff pauses her regular operations as a chef, she collaborates with fellow Black female entrepreneurs, creating an opportunity for critical dialogue and community healing around the significance of Juneteenth.

Memphis to Host Seven-Course Juneteenth Dinner Celebrating Black Excellence

Memphis is set to celebrate Black culture and culinary excellence with a special seven-course plant-based dinner, titled “Umami Amora,” organized by Daishu McGriff, also known as “The Mushroom Queen.” Scheduled for June 14, this event aims to honor the contributions of Black chefs and foster community connection through the power of food.

McGriff, the founder of Shroomlicious Meals, has taken a significant step by closing her restaurant to focus on this initiative. She seeks to highlight Memphis’ diverse cultural heritage while promoting Black female entrepreneurs and creatives who have collaborated to bring this vision to life. The dinner not only promises a gastronomic experience but also intends to provide an emotional connection and community healing through food.

Event Details

The “Umami Amora” dinner will feature a carefully curated seven-course menu, emphasizing plant-based dishes that reflect various flavors and ingredients crucial to celebrating Juneteenth—a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

This gathering aims to showcase the rich tapestry of Black culinary traditions, offering participants a unique chance to engage with and appreciate these cultural roots through a carefully orchestrated dining experience.

Community Impact

Through this dinner, McGriff aims to create more than just a meal. The event is designed to serve as a platform for celebrating Black excellence and aims to strengthen community ties. It highlights the potential of food as a means for emotional bonding, healing, and connection among community members.

Sharing a meal is a universal tradition that brings people together, and McGriff’s initiative seeks to harness that essence to foster understanding, admiration, and unity among individuals in Memphis and beyond.

Concept and Collaboration

A portrait capturing McGriff and her team was taken at Leading for Life’s office on April 28, underlining the collaborative effort that has gone into creating this event. This particular initiative aligns with broader endeavors aimed at illuminating and honoring the achievements of Black chefs within the culinary landscape.

By partnering with a group of talented Black female entrepreneurs, McGriff echoes the vital role that collaboration and community can play in elevating culinary arts and creating inclusive spaces for cultural appreciation.

Background on Daishu McGriff

Known for her expertise in mushroom-based cuisine, McGriff has earned a reputation as a prominent figure in the Memphis food scene. Her commitment to promoting plant-based diets and sustainable food practices has gained her both local and national recognition.

Daishu McGriff’s decision to pause her regular operations reflects her dedication to using her platform for social good, aiming to contribute positively to her community while uplifting fellow creators and chefs.

The “Umami Amora” dinner represents an opportunity not just for a delicious meal, but also for critical cultural dialogue, celebrating the significance of Juneteenth and the progress of the Black community within the culinary arts.

As the event approaches, organizers encourage community engagement and support for local journalism, emphasizing the importance of funding coverage that addresses community issues and access programs.

In sum, the “Umami Amora” dinner signifies a meaningful celebration of African American culture, and culinary talent while aiming to strengthen community bonds across Memphis.

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Additional Resources

• Daily Memphian: Umami Amora
• Wikipedia: Juneteenth
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2025
• Google Search: Memphis food scene
• Travel Noire: Black-Owned Restaurants Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• Commercial Appeal: Memphis Black Restaurant Week Recommendations 2025
• Google News: Memphis culinary events