Michael W. Twitty is an award-winning culinary historian and food writer known for his work exploring African American foodways and their influence on Southern cuisine. An engaging speaker and educator, Twitty is celebrated for his deep dive into the cultural intersections of food, race, and identity. He is the author of the James Beard Award-winning book "The Cooking Gene," which traces his ancestry through the lens of Southern cuisine. Twitty's passion for reviving and preserving historical food traditions bridges past and present, amplifying underrepresented voices in culinary history. He frequently shares his insights through lectures and social media.