Slaves for Peanuts: A Conversation with Jori Lewis

March 24, 2022
A rectangular graphic features a black and white photo of Jori Lewis on left. She is a Black woman with long black hair pulled over her right shoulder. She wears a collared shirt and eyeglasses. On the right is the cover of her book. The cover is bright orange, with a drawing of a peanut plant. Text overlaying the drawing reads, from top to bottom, "Jori Lewis, Slaves for Peanuts, A story of conquest, liberation, and a crop that changed history."
Photo and image courtesy of Jori Lewis and The New Press.

April 26, 2022
Noon-1 p.m. Eastern
via Zoom

Metcalf Institute hosted a webinar with author, journalist, and Metcalf alumna Jori Lewis about her forthcoming book, Slaves for Peanuts: A Story of Conquest, Liberation, and a Crop that Changed History.

At a time when people are grappling with the enduring consequences of slavery, Lewis’ book offers a new and revealing chapter in its global history. Together with journalist and fellow Metcalf alumnus, Moises Velasquez-Manoff, she discussed her work on the natural and human history of this crop that transformed millions of lives.

“Lewis’s work fuses powerful storytelling and authoritative historical research, and she is adept at framing local events against a global backdrop.” —the Whiting Award Committee on Slaves for Peanuts

“Slaves for Peanuts is a revelation.” —Imani Perry, Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies, Princeton University, and author of Breathe

Audience Q&A followed.