Edna Lewis (1916-2006) was an African-American chef, author, and civil rights activist. Born in Freetown, Virginia, she was the daughter of a former slave and a sharecropper. Lewis was a pioneer in the culinary world, introducing the world to Southern cuisine and the flavors of her childhood. She was the author of several cookbooks, including The Taste of Country Cooking, which was nominated for a James Beard Award. Lewis was also an advocate for civil rights and social justice. She was a founding member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, an organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the diverse food cultures of the American South. She was also a vocal supporter of the civil rights movement, speaking out against racism and inequality. Lewis was a beloved figure in the culinary world, and her legacy lives on through her cookbooks, her advocacy, and her commitment to preserving the flavors of her childhood. She was an inspiration to many, and her work continues to influence the way we think about food and culture.