Maurice Wilkins (The Stew)

Greater Los Angeles Los Angeles County African/African-American Foodways Oral Traditions/Language African African American Afro-Caribbean 2024

Meal prep from a food experience. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Maurice Wilkins is a chef, community builder, and DEI practitioner passionate about creating meaningful connections through shared experiences. As the Founder of The Stew, he uses food as a vehicle to bridge cultures, foster inclusivity, and celebrate the rich histories of diverse communities. Maurice curates interactive events and workshops that combine cooking demonstrations with cultural storytelling, emphasizing food’s power as a unifier and catalyst for conversation. A lifelong lover of food, history and community, he travels the globe to explore the movement and evolution of cuisine, deepening his understanding of its historical and cultural significance. Whether hosting a Juneteenth supper club or designing employee wellness experiences, Maurice’s approach centers on building stronger communities through intentionality, creativity, and the celebration of marginalized voices. He believes food is not just sustenance but a profound connector that fosters belonging.

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Living Cultures Grant Program

Maurice Wilkins speaking about the history and context for the dishes prepared. Photo courtesy of the artist.

2024

Nourishing Movements: Preserving Black Foodways & Histories

Funding will support the documentation of recipes and oral histories from Black elders who nourished movements in Oakland and Los Angeles during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The project will culminate in a digital cookbook and public exhibition celebrating and sustaining these cultural traditions.