Our 2026 Family Foodways series at Keep Growing Detroit continues with a celebration of another culture in our diaspora.

Glorious Greens with Chef Zi!

As we celebrate Juneteenth on June 19, we'll honor the significance of greens in African American food traditions. Collard, mustard, and turnip greens became symbols of resilience, resourcefulness, and prosperity, cultivated and prepared by enslaved Africans and their descendants despite limited resources. Today, greens remain a staple soul food tradition and are cooked for many family and community gatherings, representing abundance, freedom, and the enduring strength of community.

In this Family Foodways cooking class, we'll talk about the many ways cultures prepare leafy greens—from Southern collards and mustard greens to Caribbean callaloo, Latin American verdolagas, African-inspired dishes, and other beloved traditions. 

Chef Zi will share her African American and Gullah Geechee roots that have inspired her to become her family’s storyteller and historian. On the menu will be different types of greens cooked traditionally, as well as vegetarian and new-school options. Enjoy your greens sample with a piece of Southern Hoecake.

Join us as we share recipes, memories, and cultural traditions that remind us how food connects generations and keeps our roots growing deep.

We are asking attendees to RSVP due to limited space and to ensure there's enough for everyone to have a small tasting.

Cook, taste, and connect as we honor the flavors and traditions that link our family roots across the cultural diaspora and enjoy another year of Family Foodways experiences with Keep Growing Detroit.