K3PR ORCHESTRATES TASTEMAKERS TO SUPPORT POWERHOUSE PRODUCTIONS’ NEW YORK SCREENING OF, HARLEM ON MY PLATE

CULINARY STARS SUPPORT POWERHOUSE PRODUCTIONS’ NEW YORK SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM, HARLEM ON MY PLATE

Special guests included Chefs Emeril Lagasse, Marcus Samuelsson, Carla Hall, Alexander Smalls, Joseph “JJ” Johnson, Melba Wilson, Zarela Martinez and Model/Actor Tyson Beckford

(L-R): Rochelle Brown, Emeril Lagasse, Sonia Armstead

New York, NY (November 12, 2015) — Harlem on My Plate, a new documentary short film written, directed and produced by Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead of Powerhouse Productions, screened at a private event in Manhattan’s Helen Mills Event Space and Theater on Monday, November 9th.  Some of the special guests who attended to lend their support were chefs and restaurateurs Emeril Lagasse, Marcus Samuelsson, Alexander Smalls, Joseph “JJ” Johnson, Melba Wilson, Zarela Martinez, Tren’ness Woods-Black, chef and TV personality Carla Hall (ABC’s “The Chew”), model and actor Tyson Beckford, TV and radio personality Donna Hanover, food and lifestyle expert Chadwick Boyd, chef Kenny Minor, and Dr. Khalil G. Muhammad (Executive Director of the Schomburg Center), among others.

(L-R): Rochelle Brown, Tyson Beckford, Sonia Armstead

Harlem on My Plate explores the Great Migration of African-Americans from the South to Harlem in the early 1900’s, to the renowned Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s and 30’s, to the preservation of recipes and traditions as it relates to the present-day New Food Renaissance in Harlem. Eateries like the pioneering Sylvia’s and other popular restaurants such as Melba’s, Red Rooster, and The Cecil, have all contributed to the evolution of Harlem, establishing the community as a top culinary destination.  The history of Harlem’s food renaissance has remained at the center of the past, present, cultural, social and economic growth of Harlem.  The film is available for public viewing at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

(L-R): Sonia Armstead, Carla Hall, Rochelle Brown
Immediately following the screening, there was a panel discussion and Q&A moderated by
Alvin L. Starks (Director of Strategic Initiatives, Schomburg Center).  The esteemed panelists included Marcus Samuelsson (Chef/Owner of Red Rooster and Streetbird), Tren’ness Woods-Black (VP of Communications, Sylvia’s Restaurant), and Alexander Smalls (Executive Chef of Minton’s and The Cecil).  The in-depth conversation covered the nostalgia presented in the film, reflections about Harlem’s culture, African-American entrepreneurship and competing restaurants in Harlem.  The special event was presented by Citi, The Schomburg Center, and Powerhouse Productions.

(L-R): Rochelle Brown, Chadwick Boyd, Sonia Armstead

About Powerhouse Productions
Powerhouse Productions was founded in 2003 by Executive Producers Rochelle Brownand Sonia Armstead. The “dynamic duo” prides themselves on the passion and dedication they give each project. Their slate of programming includes shows on the Cooking Channel, Food Network, TV One, TBS, HGTV, BET and Disney. Their shows have won twelve Telly Awards, been nominated for the esteemed NAACP Image Award and the prestigious James Beard Award. For more information, visit www.powerhouseproductions.tv

(L-R): Marcus Samuelsson, Gina Nisbeth (Citi), Rochelle Brown, Melba Wilson, Sonia Armstead

(L-R): Marcus Samuelsson, Tren’ness Woods-Black, Alexander Smalls, Alvin L. Starks

Donna Hanover and Sonia Armstead

(L-R): Alexander Smalls, Rochelle Brown and Joseph “