In 1900, the USDA sent plant explorer, Walter Swingle, to Algeria to study the date. As Swingle took temperature readings and soil temperature, he realized that the conditions were very much like those in California’s hot, arid Coachella Valley, sometimes referred to as the American Sahara. In order to market this new fruit and promote the region, date growers in the Coachella Valley began capitalizing on the exotic imagery and fantasy many Americans associated with the Middle East.

With Host, Frances McDormand

A Black History Month Special

For some 8 years now, 34 Black women have gathered around a big dining room table in Oakland, Calif. Meeting, cooking, dancing, strategizing — grappling with issues of eviction, gentrification and sex trafficking that are staring down their community, staring down Black women in America.

Deep thanks to all of you who support the work of The Kitchen Sisters. Without your collaboration and contributions, our stories, internship, and mentoring program would not be possible.