CleoTV star and author Jernard Wells has come a long way from his Mississippi-raised life. His southern roots have inspired many to come together for joyous occasions.
Inspired by his father, the food connoisseur takes great pride in seeing his family’s appreciation for food, flavorful tasting and how it brings forth community.
With over 20 plus years as a chef under his belt, Wells has built quite an impressive career representing a handful of Black culinary artists on television.
On his show, “New Soul Kitchen,” he brings southern-based dishes as an homage to his roots and consistent with his core audience.
However, the chef’s success has been without challenges. Austin, Texas-based author, Toni Tipton-Martin, said that Black chefs “are the backbone of every single facet of American food ways, from farming, planting, tending and harvesting to food prep to brewing to distillation, to baking, to fine dining development,” during an interview with NBC.
Wells shares that sentiment as he gave an exclusive on his thoughts about how chefs of color have made significant changes.
“I see that there’s growth, but just like anything else, it’s a journey. And I feel that we have earned so much more and we should be highlighted more than where we are.”
What we’re seeing is the media and critics really catching up with Black communities through gradual representation and talent beyond measure.
Cynthia Daniels, the founder of Memphis Black Restaurant Week, said that chefs of color have proven to be more than our history.
“We are diversified in our skills, talents and cuisines. African American chefs are no longer just soul-food or southern cuisine chefs, we are so much more. Through education and exploration, we can finally break into areas that we never knew were there,” she explained. “Being seen on television is great for us but being a legitimate authority in culinary in the corporate, private and entertainment sectors is the next step.”
“Food is an international language,” Wells said. “Without it, you take away opportunities for people to come together and create a form of unity.”
“New Soul Kitchen” is now in its fourth season on the network and airs all new episodes every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EST/8:30C.
Check him out in action and press play below:
