Event
Harvesting Heritage: Stories in Season
This ongoing event series highlights the past and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout South Carolina.
Event Date
Fri., Nov. 14, 2025 | 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Harvesting Heritage is a series dedicated to the past, present, and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout South Carolina. Join us as we highlight our state’s harvesters – the farmers, the crabbers, the fishermen, the foragers, the game hunters, and more.
On Nov. 14, Harvesting Heritage: Stories in Season will feature Black storytellers sharing their personal histories, with a special focus on generational land, Black food pathways, and the profound influence of agriculture on their stories within South Carolina.
The evening will also feature:
A discussion with Keisha Rainey, food systems leader at Roots & Rain, Peter Smith of Dorchester's Saxmore Farms, and Joyce Bell Winkler of AbellA, LLC, in Ridge Spring, SC
Food provided by Marvin Ross, South Carolina farmer and owner of Peculiar Pig Farm and Catering in Dorchester, SC (meal will include Pulled Pork Sliders, BBQ Baked Beans, Hash & Rice, and Collard Greens)
Delightful desserts from Columbia's own Sweet GGs
Handcrafted cocktails/mocktails by Will Green, Columbia bartender and co-owner of The Hoot (each guest will receive one drink ticket – all other drinks available for purchase)
Ticket Options
Ticket includes activities, food and one drink voucher.
About Keisha Rainey
Keisha Rainey is a Food Systems Leader and owner of Roots & Rain, LLC. Roots & Rain. Rainey is dedicated to helping organizations, women, and historically impacted farmers enhance their agricultural footprint by providing resources, training, and effective collaboration.
Rainey's extensive experience spans several years, during which she has focused on supporting producers in our food systems and communities. She has successfully trained over 1,000 producers on USDA food safety standards, guided more than 200 producers through successful Harmonized (GAP & GAP Plus) audits, and developed comprehensive food safety plans and a curriculum centered on value-added products.
About Peter Smith Jr.
Peter Smith Jr. was born and raised on a farm in Dorchester, South Carolina. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he has been married for more than 30 years and is the father of three children. After retiring from the VA Hospital, Peter dedicated himself to serving his community as a farmer, activist, and founder of the Dorchester Farmers Market and the annual Back-to-School Bash events.
Now serving as the Dorchester County Councilman for District 1, Peter is a strong advocate for local farmers and travels to Washington, D.C., each year to work on the Farm Bill and other agricultural initiatives. His lifelong commitment to service continues to drive his work for the people of Dorchester County.
About Joyce Bell Winkler
Joyce Bell Winkler is a lifelong nurse, educator, and farmer whose story beautifully connects health, heritage, and community.
A graduate of the University of South Carolina College of Nursing and East Tennessee State University, Joyce spent 43 years in healthcare and research, including leading the NIH All of Us Research Program at Cooperative Health Centers.
In 2013, she returned to her family’s 143-acre farm in Ridge Spring, SC, founding AbellA, LLC, home of Mom Bell’s Chow Chow, a treasured family recipe. Joyce and her family now grow produce, sell at local markets, and host events like the Sandhills AgArt Festival celebrating Black farmers and creativity.
About Will Green
Will Green is a Columbia native. A nearly two decade veteran of the bar industry, he is part owner in two Columbia institutions: WECO Bottle and Biergarten and The Hoot. He also works as a bar/restaurant consultant.
About Cecelia Miller
Cecelia Miller, aka Farmer CeCe, is the force behind The CoffeeLady31.
Throughout her professional career, Farmer CeCe has the experience of 30
years in lab and quality management, an initial start in business in 2001, and
five years in education. She eventually decided to leave her position as
corporate quality manager and embark fulltime as proprietor of The
CoffeeLady31. Along with a chemistry degree from Converse College, she
carries titles of pastor’s wife, certified quality auditor, licensed minister, a
herbalist, aromatherapist, farmer, master gardener, and certified Zumba
instructor. The name, The CoffeeLady31, is derived from her love for coffee
and the fact that her mom often refers to her as the “Proverbs 31 lady.”
About Marvin Ross and Peculiar Pig Eats
Peculiar Pig Eats is the catering arm of Peculiar Pig Farm, a family-owned heritage hog farm in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Led by culinarian and chef Marvin Ross, Peculiar Pig Eats is known for whole-hog barbecue, smoked meats, and classic Southern sides made with locally sourced ingredients. The Ross family has been raising hogs for generations with a commitment to animal care, sustainability, and preserving Lowcountry foodways. Through Peculiar Pig Eats, Marvin shares the rich flavors of heritage pork and celebrates community with every meal, serving everything from intimate gatherings to large cultural events across the Carolinas.
About Tatrina White
Tatrina White is the founder and owner of The Purple Mushroom, an indoor urban gourmet mushroom farm established in 2018 and based in Columbia, South Carolina.
With a focus on sustainable and innovative cultivation practices, The Purple Mushroom produces premium-quality mushrooms for local markets and culinary partners.
As an African American female entrepreneur and leader in urban agriculture, Ms. White is deeply committed to advancing food sustainability, promoting economic empowerment, and inspiring others to explore profitable opportunities in urban mushroom cultivation. Her work reflects a strong dedication to environmental stewardship and community growth, bridging the gap between sustainable farming and modern entrepreneurship.
Event Partner
Harvesting Heritage Event Series
This yearlong event series explores the history and culture of Black foodways in South Carolina.