Global Tastes Event Features Culture and Cuisine of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Members of the Congolese refugee community showcased the cuisine and culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo at a Global Tastes event held in the fall at the Scranton Cultural Center. From left: Kristen McNally, Lackawanna College Kiesendahl School of Hospitality and Tourism; Julie Cohen, The University of Scranton director of community and government relations; Jessica Durkin, The University of Scranton community and government relations; Mamie Bibomba Mukadi, guest chef/Scranton’s Congolese community; Maureen McGuigan, deputy director of arts and culture of Lackawanna County; Ruth Katonga Kangoni, guest chef/Scranton’s Congolese community; Sonya Sarner, Catholic Social Services; Edge Bambi Kazadi, guest chef/Scranton’s Congolese community; Ileana Szymanski, Ph.D., The University of Scranton associate professor of philosophy; Donna Vannan, Terra Preta Restaurant; and Trish Dickert-Nieves, Terra Preta Restaurant.

The Global Tastes program provides a chance for cultural exchange with the new refugee populations who bring rich traditions and culture to the greater Scranton area and is sponsored by Catholic Social Services, Everhart Museum, Lackawanna College Kiesendahl School of Hospitality, Lackawanna County Department of Arts and Culture, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, One Point, Scranton Cultural Center, Terra Preta Restaurant, and The University of Scranton (Office of Community and Government Relations, World Languages and Cultures Department, Philosophy Department, and Women's Studies Department).