Adrian Miller, CSP

Adrian Miller is a two-time James Beard Award-winning author, cultural historian, and keynote speaker specializing in African American culinary history, race, culture, and leadership. Known for his engaging storytelling and appearance in Netflix's High on the Hog, he explores how food reflects American history, cultural identity, and the contributions of African Americans. Earlier in his career, Miller served as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton, working on race relations and reconciliation initiatives. He is also a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), combining historical scholarship, humor, and professional speaking experience to make complex cultural and social subjects accessible to diverse audiences.

Adrian Miller has dedicated much of his career to researching, documenting, and explaining African American culinary history. As a two-time James Beard Award-winning author, he has explored the origins of soul food, the contributions of African American presidential chefs, and the history of Black barbecue traditions in the United States. His books include Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, The President's Kitchen Cabinet, and Black Smoke. Through his research and public speaking, Miller highlights historical contributions that have frequently been overlooked, showing how African American cooks and culinary traditions have influenced the development of American food culture.

Adrian Miller served as a special assistant to President Bill Clinton, working on initiatives focused on race relations and reconciliation, including the White House's Initiative for One America. This experience gave him firsthand insight into leadership, public dialogue, and the challenges involved in addressing complex social issues. His work in the Clinton administration continues to inform his approach to cultural understanding and inclusion. In his keynote presentations, Miller draws connections between historical experiences, leadership responsibilities, and the importance of honest conversations about race and identity. His background combines practical government experience with his later work as a cultural historian and author.

Adrian Miller uses food history to demonstrate how cultural contributions, teamwork, recognition, and shared experiences influence communities and organizations. Through stories about African American presidential chefs, soul food traditions, and the development of American barbecue, he highlights individuals and communities whose contributions have often been overlooked. His experience working on race relations and reconciliation during the Clinton administration also informs his understanding of leadership and social dialogue. In his presentations, Miller encourages audiences to consider whose stories are represented, how cultural traditions shape identity, and why acknowledging different contributions can strengthen understanding, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.

Adrian Miller explores the central role African Americans have played in developing barbecue into a major American culinary tradition. Drawing on his book Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue, he examines the history of Black barbecue culture, regional food traditions, and questions of cultural ownership and recognition. His keynote Barbecue and Belonging uses these stories to connect culinary history with broader conversations about identity, innovation, and inclusion. By highlighting the people and traditions behind barbecue's development, Miller encourages audiences to recognize the cultural contributions that have shaped familiar aspects of American life and food culture.

Adrian Miller examines how African American culinary traditions have influenced religious life, cultural identity, and community relationships. In his keynote Faith, Food, and the Foundations of Community, he explores the connections between soul food, barbecue, and African American church traditions. His presentations highlight how food has helped sustain faith communities, preserve cultural heritage, and bring people together across generations. Through historical examples, including pastors who also work as barbecue pitmasters, Miller illustrates the relationship between spiritual traditions and culinary practices. His storytelling encourages audiences to consider how shared meals, cultural traditions, and faith can contribute to unity and a stronger sense of community.

Adrian Miller's keynote presentations are relevant for corporate organizations, leadership conferences, educational institutions, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and cultural events. His subjects are particularly suited to audiences interested in American history, cultural identity, race relations, leadership, and community engagement. Organizations seeking to explore belonging and inclusion can draw on his presentations about soul food, cultural appreciation, and reconciliation, while educational audiences can benefit from his research into African American culinary contributions. His presentations on presidential food history also offer perspectives on leadership and teamwork. Miller's combination of historical scholarship, government experience, and accessible storytelling allows him to engage audiences with different professional backgrounds and interests.

The short answer is: It depends on the event and the scope of the engagement.

The fee varies depending on factors such as the speaker, duration, location, language, format, and overall event requirements. Please contact us with some information about your event and your specific needs, and we will be happy to provide a non-binding quote. Contact us here.