The best way to get people together to discuss their cultures is through food. “Food is the cross section for communication,” says Crystal A. Johnson, founder and editor-in- chief of the MultiCultural Cooking Network (MCCN).
“I was one of the first people watching cooking shows all day before it was trendy. On the network there weren’t any prominent people of color,” Johnson says. In 2007, she decided to create her own YouTube channel to showcase missing cultures. Since then, MCCN has evolved from a YouTube channel to a Web site that is not just about food. “The MultiCultural Cooking Network isn’t just about cooking food; it’s to create discussion about culture.”
The MCCN has programming on various topics such as health, culture, entertainment and food. Some shows such as “En La Cocina Para Mi Amor,” are produced in Spanish and English. This bilingual network introduces its audience to the seven continents through their palates with programs such as “Asian Express” and “Make Yourself Comfortable American Style.” The “Asian Express” episode about rice wraps boasts high ratings and is a favorite among viewers. One show that has the entertainment aspect is “What’s the Dish?” The program covers celebrities and the food they love to eat. Viewers can also watch how-to videos and a lot of different informative and entertaining programs as well on MCCN.
Johnson’s passion for food and culture was developed during childhood. A New York native, Johnson was exposed to the rich cultures and cuisines of the state. At an early age, her father encouraged her to eat a wide variety of foods from different cultures. “I ate roti and goat. I was never afraid of food growing up,” Johnson says.
With an interest in culture and food, going to culinary school seemed like the obvious choice for higher education for Johnson. “I couldn’t see myself doing that,” she says. Instead Johnson went to Morgan State University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in radio and television production and a Masters in English and screenwriting. Johnson also met friends and people who would become business partners of MCCN at Morgan State.
Johnson gained extensive experience in the broadcast arena by working in the video production department for the Baltimore Orioles and for Fox affiliates and CBS in Baltimore. Johnson also worked in the casting department for “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” “America’s Next Top Model,” VH1 and “Three Wishes.”
Future goals for MCCN are to continue to diversify the programs. “For the immediate future, I want to have more Italian cooking, healthy cooking, how-to videos and information about comfort food.” Johnson will also provide more programs according to the interest of the audience.
For more information about the MultiCultural Cooking Network, visit www.multiculturalcookingnetwork.com
Click on the links below to view a few of the show on MCCN.
