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This Juneteenth celebration will spotlight Black chefs

By , Special to The Daily Memphian Updated: May 12, 2025 4:00 AM CT | Published: May 12, 2025 4:00 AM CT

After “The Mushroom Queen” Daishu McGriff closed her restaurant, she said she wanted to create a way to honor Black chefs and spotlight Memphis’ rich cultural tapestry. 

The answer was Umami Amora, a seven-course plant-based Juneteenth dinner scheduled for June 14. But she said it will be more than a meal — it will be a celebration of Black excellence, emotional connection and community healing through food.

McGriff is the founder of Shroomlicious Meals, and she’s brought together a team of Black female entrepreneurs and creatives with Umami Amora.

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Umami Amora Daishu McGriff Monique Williams Lernard Chambers Subscriber Only

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Christin Yates

Christin Yates

Christin Yates is a native Memphian who has worked in PR and copywriting since 2007. She earned her B.S. in public relations and M.S. in mass communications from Murray State University.


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