"Cooking Back to Our Roots": A Journey of Cultural Reconnection and Culinary Exploration
Vivian Acquah, CDE® • Nov 03, 2023
In a powerful moment that captured global attention, Dutch King Willem-Alexander made aprofound apology earlier this yearfor the Netherlands' involvement in the slave trade. His heartfelt gesture resonated deeply, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of reconciliation, healing, and the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs.
The impact of colonial history on the African Diaspora in Europe is far-reaching and profound. Much work remains to be done in terms of healing and understanding these historical wounds. However, one innovative initiative is seeking to foster such understanding and reconciliation through a medium that transcends barriers: food.
"Cooking Back to Our Roots," hosted by Certified Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Consultant Vivian Acquah, CDE® aims to create a world where respect, value, and equal opportunities are not just ideals but everyday realities. The show uses the universal language of food to celebrate cultural diversity, promote understanding, and cultivate an environment where everyone is empowered to thrive.
The highly anticipated second season of the show is set to launch on Sunday, November 5, 2023. This season consists of four episodes that delve into the rich history and culture of the African Diaspora in the Netherlands. The journey of people reconnecting with their roots while developing a deeper appreciation for their heritage forms the heart of each episode.
A Platform for Voices from the African Diaspora
Vivian Acquah is joined in each episode by a panel of Dutch CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high potentials from the African diaspora. These individuals share their unique insights on how history impacts their lives, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the African Diaspora's experiences in the Netherlands.
Food, with its ability to trace the threads of history, plays a central role in "Cooking Back to Our Roots." The program offers lessons about cultures, generations, and traditions, as well as views, feelings, and challenges.
A Visual Celebration of Culture
"Cooking Back to Our Roots" is more than just a culinary show - it's a visual feast that celebrates the vibrant cultures of the African-Dutch diaspora. Vivian's colorful, authentic African attire and the inspiring art displayed in each episode create a rich visual experience for viewers.
Breaking Barriers and Changing Perspectives
Until now, there has never been an online TV program dedicated to Dutch CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high potentials from the African diaspora. Vivian's choice of guests for the second season aims to offer a new perspective and break through the stereotype of people from the African Diaspora as merely dancers, singers, or actors.
The show was produced with the help of a grant from the City of Amsterdam, which praised the project for its focus on knowledge sharing and awareness. A representative from the municipality noted, "Food is an underexposed perspective and, therefore, important. Moreover, the initiative connects different groups from the diaspora. It is a project that wants to make people aware of the importance of traditional cuisine and its role in connecting people to their roots."
Don't miss out on this journey of cultural reconnection and culinary exploration. Season 2 of Cooking Back to Our Roots will air onYouTubeon Sunday, November 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 4 PM GMT/ 5 PM CET/ 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT. For further details, visithttps://news.cb2or.com.
About Vivian Acquah, CDE®
Passionate and driven, Vivian Acquah, CDE® is making an impact on the world of workplace wellness and DEI. As the Inclusive Workplace Wellness Advocate/ Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)®, Vivian is devoted to making the topics of workplace wellness and DEI more accessible for everyone.
With a name that literally translates to 'water,' Vivian has become an extinguisher of fires related to DEI, providing clients such as Heineken, LinkedIn, Google, Indeed, Deloitte, TIBCO, Cargill, Swift, Acrolinx, KLM and Zalando with tangible strategies for embracing inclusive changes.
Disclaimer: Content on this blog is authored by multiple sources. While we do make every attempt to proofread and fact-check, unless authored our staff, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Society for Diversity and the Institute for Diversity Certification.
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