ECU celebrates traditions of the Global South

GREENVILLE, N.C. (10/13/2026) - East Carolina University and the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences invite the public to join in free events celebrating the cultures, dance, music and food of the Global South. Events are planned Oct. 22-23 on the ECU campus and at Sheppard Memorial Library as part of "A Culinary Celebration: The South Goes Global."

"I'm hosting 'The South Goes Global' because food offers one of the most immediate ways to understand how history, culture and family memory travel," said Dr. Amy Wright, the college's Whichard Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and a visiting professor of English and Hispanic studies.

Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, the college will host "The Shared South: Recipes and Ingredients from Carolinas to Caribbean." This event will feature a panel conversation with chefs and food trucks at Sheppard Memorial Library, 530 Evans St., Greenville.

On Friday, Oct. 23, the "South 'Meats' Global South" will begin at 11 a.m. on ECU's Main Campus Student Center lawn. This event will feature fandango dancing and a short documentary. At noon, the celebration continues with free food samples and storytelling traditions.

"By bringing ECU students and faculty together with local chefs, food entrepreneurs, artists, scholars and neighbors, I hope we create a space where people go beyond learning about one another's traditions to actually tasting, hearing and sharing them," Wright said.

"I hope people leave with a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions already thriving in eastern North Carolina - and with the recognition that the Global South is not somewhere far away. It is present in our region, our stories, our music and around our tables," she said.

All events are sponsored by the David Julian and Virginia Suther Whichard Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities, the Department of English, and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

For more information and a full itinerary with speaker biographies, visit the Whichard website. No registration is required for the public. ECU students may register through the Pirate Experience links.

Individuals requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should call 252-737-1018 or email [email protected] at least 48 hours before the event.

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About East Carolina University

Founded in 1907 as a teacher's college, East Carolina University (ECU) is a Carnegie R1 designated research institution. ECU is a member of the University of North Carolina System and serves more than 27,000 students. The university advances innovation and discovery in healthcare, coastal resilience, education and regional economic growth. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is committed to being a national leader in community-focused innovation, bringing meaningful impact across the state and nation.

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