Lena Richard was the first African woman to host a cooking television show. She was successful on television and in real life business. That means she was doing great on television and running a successful business and in the 1940s, amid thick racism.

Let us begin with who Lena Richard was –

Lena was born to Africans who suffered discrimination and she grew up in this difficult era as well. This lady still managed to get a television cooking show going inspite of all the racism. That is the first step. Next, she opened two restaurant businesses which were also successful.

In addition, Lena Richard operated a freezing business. How she managed to do all this can be attributed to sheer strength of mind. Because if you read about what those Africans went through at that time, your jaws would also drop at the achievements. She was not done yet.

Furthermore, Lena Richard opened a culinary school to train African chefs. At the time, getting jobs was quite difficult because of all that segregation. Martin Luther King was sweating it out canvasing for equality and Lena was making his sweat count.

In closing, to immortalize herself, Lena Richard wrote two cookery books – New Orleans Cookbook, Lena Richard’s New Orleans Cookbook. The recipes in these books are still as relevant and mouthwatering as ever.

So who amongst us has seen or used any of her recipes? Is it true someone was caught using and owning her recipes? Do share in the comments section below. Spill the juicy details.