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WHEREAS, Olafemi Mandley presented the “Food Staples of Africa on February 11th at the Thelma Lovette YWCA and is holding her 18th annual “The Taste of Africa” dinner on Tuesday, February 18 in celebration of Black History Month; and,
WHEREAS, Olafemi began catering in 1988, working farmers markets, craft festivals and trade shows, manufactured and distributed her own products and in 2010 became the sole proprietor of Ola Appetit Catering Co.; and,
WHEREAS, the company’s mission is to improve the planet through education, community engagement, economics and charity, with the goal of restoring mental and physical health by nourishing the body and satisfying the soul using organic indigenous food staples from Africa and the Americas; and,
WHEREAS, an avid storyteller, Olafemi enjoys sharing the history of her dishes such as fried cheese, which pays homage to the African legacy of raising goats and watermelon, a cultural staple. She believes it is important for people to know the origins of where foods came from, why they are part of their culture and how culture influences market trends; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Mandley plans on launching “Joseph’s Table”, a 5-7 course dinner at her underground Supper Club, Rum crafted cocktails, as well as hosting Pop Ups throughout Pittsburgh’s community and art festivals; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend Olafemi Mandley for celebrating and preserving the culture of Africa in honor of Black History Month; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, February 18, 2020 to be “The Taste of Africa Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.