Barbecue and Its African American Roots

A man wearing a black shirt sitting at a table while smiling and pointing at two plate baskets of barbecue.

Adrian Miller

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
6:30 p.m.
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale AR 72764
Admission: free

Get ready for a mouthwatering journey through American barbecue culture! This Not Strictly History presentation of Barbecue and Its African American Roots features award-winning author and food scholar Adrian Miller.

Discover how African Americans shaped the world of barbecue, tracing its deep roots from Native American, European, and West African traditions. Learn about signature dishes, regional styles, and the future of this beloved cuisine—all while sampling some local barbecue!

Miller’s book, Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue, is a must-read celebration of Black barbecue culture, packed with history, insights, and 22 delicious recipes. The book won both a 2022 James
Beard Award for Reference, History, and Scholarship and a Colorado Book Award for History.

Adrian Miller is a renowned food writer, certified barbecue judge, and former White House special assistant. Don’t miss this flavorful discussion with one of the nation’s top culinary historians!