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The Global Food and Drink Initiative A Mission for the Future The Global Food and Drink Initiative GFDI is a James Beard Awardwinning 501c3 nonprofit with the mission of celebrating food cultures and preserving food histories of the African diaspora through its impact pillars of storytelling education and advocacy. Its pioneering work celebrates global Black food cultures that are essential to the story of America and the world and rooted in truth celebration connection creativity and ingenuity that shows the sustaining strength of Black people who have built informed and influenced our foodways of today. Most importantly we are preserving Black history of global Black food cultures through education and documentation to ensure visibility and accessibility to everyone and future generations. Celebrating Black Food Culture Cuisine Noir Cuisine Noir became the first Black food media outlet in 2009 to celebrate Black food cultures while amplifying voices and stories throughout Black communities globally.