Ikore Festival 2023

The first annual JSAAHC Ikore Festival will bring together Black farmers and the community that cooks to create a space where we can showcase a farm to table experience. Black farmers will supply the food to be prepared by cooks that sign up to compete, cooking in three categories. The day of the festival, the farms will be on our yard showcasing their wares, beside the cooks who have used their food to compete and win the title of Best In Show of Savory, Desserts or Grill.

Each ticket purchased will recieve chips they can use to vote for the best cook as they sample food. You can purchase more chips on the day of to vote as many times as you like.

This is how we celebrate the delectable dishes Black folk make as well as the people who grow it for them, while creating an opportunity to grow their businesses. Over the past few years, Black farmers and Black owned farms have been growing. 

Ikore means harvest in the Yoruban language spoken in Nigeria. The African continent is host to multiple festivals related to harvest during the year, depending on your location and tribal affiliation. The organizations partnering to create the Ikore Festival create another way for the Black community to connect to our African heritage while supporting each other communally and financially.

In an effort to lessen the burden on the cooks, and create more business for the farmers, we have asked our partner, Ebenezer baptist Church to help purchase the food from the farmers for the cooks to use. JSAAHC will supply tables, serving cups, napkins as well as the entertainment for the day. 

If you would like to be a cook this year or be part of the planning email publicprograms@jeffschoolheritagecenter.org.