On April 26, the Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center Museum will host A Taste of Struggle, a daylong event honoring the rich culinary traditions of the Willow Hill community and the enduring legacy of African American foodways.
Guests will witness food historians and pitmasters recreate meals as they would have been prepared during slavery in the American South. Leading the event is Pitmaster John “Bobbie” Robinson, who carries on a tradition passed down through generations from his formerly enslaved great-grandfather, Arnold Jackson. Robinson will dig and build his own cooking pit and guide attendees through the slow-cooking process that infuses deep flavor and history into every bite.
Cincinnati restaurateurs Jelani and Danielle Jackson, owners of Richie’s Chicken and Soul, will provide historical context linking food traditions from the slavery era to contemporary soul food. As descendants of the Willow Hill community, they will also highlight the impact of the Great Migration, during which many families from the region settled in cities like Cincinnati.
Visitors can tour the museum, observe live outdoor cooking, and interact with guides in period attire who will bring the past to life through storytelling and interpretation. Special guests include Sirdeepy Fraizer and Jamal Toure of Savannah, Bruce Ingram of Myrtle Beach, SC, Gregory Grant, Gospel singer Jeffery Williams, Lisa Mincey of Portal, and local farmer Roy Mosely, who will showcase his innovative rice-growing techniques.
The day concludes with a traditional meal prepared throughout the event. While daytime activities are free to the public, the evening dinner is a ticketed fundraiser supporting museum programming.
Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
📍 Location: Willow Hill Heritage and Renaissance Center Museum, Portal, GA
4235 Willow Hill Road Portal, GA 30450
🎟️ Tickets and Info: www.willowhillheritage.org
