From a Kitchen
in the World House
From a Kitchen in the World House recognizes that sharing food is a
universal language of coming together. Our cookbook is an uplifting
example of one way we can transform our world, one relationship at a
time. Even if you are not in a position to travel the world or have not had
the opportunity, we present this cookbook as a way to experience the
deliciousness of foods of the world right in your very own kitchen.
By understanding various cultures and social groups, our students
make positive connections between their own lives and the lives of their
cohorts, constantly stepping outside individual comfort zones to grow
as constructive world citizens. Differences among us are celebrated,
we acknowledge these distinctions as beneficial—and in the case of
multicultural foods, find them quite enjoyable.
We at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center know that learning
about various cultures fosters appreciation for different perspectives in
a way that breaks down negative stereotypes and personal biases about
people who may not be like “us.” While our world has many differences
in language, arts, religion, and other components of distinctive cultures,
at the end of the day each and every one of us is a member of the one
human race.
As you enjoy these recipes, please keep in mind that food is a
universal connection and embracing diversity is a great way to bring
richness and joy into our lives. After all, how satisfied would our palates
be if the only thing we ate, every day of our lives, was totally, absolutely
plain, dry, unflavored oatmeal?
Whenever you take time to share a meal, remember that multicultural
food is a foundation upon which common ground can be built.
Bon appetit!
Elihu M. Harris
Chairman
Board of Directors
Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center
Young people are helping lead the way forward during these historic
times. I am proud of the Freedom Center students and their colleagues
at the Institute for Community Leadership. They have shown that we
can, and must, join and work simultaneously within multiple jurisdictions
for equality and justice for all. Whether we live in a small town or a large
city, wherever we live in the nation—each one of us can contribute to the
health and well-being of all.
I applaud the creative act of writing this incredible book during
the COVID-19 pandemic. To exchange a recipe that comes from your
family’s culture with a recipe that comes from the culture of a peer from
a different race or culture forms the seed for the process of truth-telling
and racial healing.
In his book Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?
Dr. King constructed the blueprint for the World House. He pointed out
how commerce and technology have made the world a global community,
and that now we must create the sisterhood and brotherhood to make it
a fair and just neighborhood.
Imagine the time and love the students gave to one another and their
respective families going through the process of discovering family
recipes, then getting the ingredients, then preparing and enjoying the
meal; and doing all this while reflecting, taking photos and notes, and
developing lifelong skills for being an active neighbor in the World House.
From a Kitchen in the World House is packed with great recipes
for meals and great reflections on how we can live together, more
sustainably, in a just and equitable democracy.
Barbara Lee
Member of Congress
13th Congressional District - California