The Davenport House Museum, a historic property owned and operated by Historic Savannah Foundation, and Coastal Table and Tales, Savannah’s first dedicated cookbook store and culinary gathering space, will join forces to welcome acclaimed author Anela Malik as part of the national book tour for her new release, American Soul: The Black History of Food in the United States. The centerpiece of Malik’s Savannah visit will be a public talk and book signing on Wed., Sept. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Davenport House Museum, located at 323 E. Broughton St. in Savannah, Ga.

“As someone who has cooked and learned in kitchens around the world, I know the power of food to carry memory, history and hope,” said Dawn Anderson, founder of Coastal Table and Tales. “Hosting Anela Malik and her American Soul tour at the Davenport House Museum is an extraordinary opportunity to honor those stories and share them with our Savannah community.”

This lively discussion will be moderated by Savannah-based writer and editor Amy Paige Condon, co-author of celebrated works on Gullah Geechee and African American foodways. The conversation will explore the themes of American Soul—including resilience, creativity, and the role of Black food traditions in shaping American history—while rooting the discussion in Savannah’s own cultural heritage.

“The Davenport House Museum and Coastal Table and Tales will unite to present a special evening of conversation, cuisine and storytelling in the heart of Savannah’s Landmark District,” said Condon. “Anela Malik stands apart as a talented author and gifted storyteller who will share insightful observations about the critical role that food has played in Black history in the U.S.”

Attendees will also be invited to contribute to a Food Memory Wall, sharing recipes and stories that honor their own food traditions. These reflections will help ground the evening in community voices, creating a dialogue between Malik’s national narrative and Savannah’s local histories.

Every ticket includes a signed copy of American Soul and a tasting experience inspired by the book, featuring hibiscus aid and the pound cake that graces its pages. Small bites will be provided by Okan Bluffton, Chef Bernard Bennett’s celebrated Lowcountry restaurant, adding another layer of flavor and storytelling to the evening.

This program reflects Coastal Table and Tales’ commitment to fostering community through cookbooks and cuisine and the Davenport House Museum’s mission to connect Savannah’s history with contemporary conversations. Together, they are creating a space where the joy of food and the power of story come together.

“We look forward to serving food, history and community in one unforgettable evening with Anela Malik,” said Davenport House Museum Executive Director Danielle Hodes. “We invite local residents and visitors to join us for this inspiring, insightful event.”