Chicago Public Schools Celebrates Black History Month with District Alum, Chicago Chef Chloe Gould
16 February 2022
Chef Chloe Gould Visits, Teaches, Cooks and Serves a Dish Designed for CPS Students at John J. Pershing Magnet School For Humanities and Dunbar Vocational Career Academy
Chicago - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today hosted a Black History Month Cooking demonstration with Chef Chloe Gould, a Dunbar High School graduate and caterer. Chef Gould served jambalaya to students at Pershing Magnet School, and presented her recipe for chicken curry jambalaya which she later cooked with Dunbar Vocational Career Academy culinary arts students in the school’s teaching kitchen.
The dish was featured on the District’s lunch menu today as the District-wide Black History Month meal.
“It’s not every day that you get the chance to create dishes for hundreds of thousands of children across the city,” said Chef Gould. “It’s especially meaningful to celebrate with students during Black History Month. I’m excited to share some of my signature southern cooking with CPS students.”
Today’s event with Chef Gould was among the myriad ways District schools have celebrated the month with many hosting guests, leading readings, essays contests, poetry symposiums, musical and theatrical performances and more, including professional development for faculty and staff. CPS’ food vendor, Aramark, joined today’s efforts by donating all of the ingredients needed for Chef Gould’s presentations and cooking lessons. CPS Board of Education Member Elizabeth Todd-Breland also attended Wednesday’s cooking session at Dunbar.
Chef Gould, the owner of DixiePura, a catering company that specializes in culinary classes and personal chef services, is described as a “food translator” for her ability to introduce culturally diverse flavors into American dishes. After culinary school she traveled abroad and returned to Chicago to train students in the culinary arts at CPS as a chef instructor.
“Bringing the flavors inspired by Southern cuisine into our schools gives students the opportunity to celebrate Black culture while learning about the importance of nutrition and the culinary arts,” said District Nutrition Support Services (NSS) Executive Director Jason Mojica. “This year, as we celebrate Black History Month, it is an honor to be joined by a CPS graduate and former CPS culinary instructor to celebrate the cultural contributions of generations of African Americans everywhere.”
###