Legacy Journal: The Power of Bread, The Story of Us

Baking has always been more than food. For Black bakers, it has been a way to nourish, to resist, and to build community when other doors were closed. From the Reconstruction-era People’s Bakery in New Orleans to the countless kitchens where recipes were passed hand to hand, bread has been a symbol of survival and a tool of independence.

In my essay for King Arthur Baking, I shared how the legacy of Black bakers reminds us that every loaf carries a story. Behind the warm crust and tender crumb are lives marked by determination: men and women who rose before dawn, worked with their hands, and offered not only nourishment but dignity in every bite.

At Viola’s Heritage, I carry that same truth forward. Our sweet potato breads, granolas, and classes are not only about ingredients — they are about honoring those who fed generations without recognition. Every time we bake, we remember that bread is culture, bread is history, and bread is power.

If you’d like to bake alongside this story, explore my Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls. They capture the warmth of tradition and the joy of passing history through flavor.

Reflection Prompt:
When you share bread at your table, what stories are you passing on?