The St. Johns Cultural Council and Zora’s Sojourn will bring history, culture, and community together during “Zora’s Table: A Juneteenth Sunday Supper,” an intimate evening inspired by the literary legacy of Zora Neale Hurston and the enduring traditions of African American storytelling and Southern cuisine. The event takes place Sunday, June 21, at The Waterworks, located at 184 San Marco Ave. Organizers designed the gathering to honor Hurston’s connection to St. Augustine while creating a meaningful community experience combining heritage, art, and conversation.
Hurston, one of the most influential writers and anthropologists of the Harlem Renaissance, authored acclaimed works including Their Eyes Were Watching God. She dedicated much of her career to preserving Black folklore, Southern storytelling traditions, and African American cultural history. Her time in St. Augustine continues to inspire local artists, writers, and cultural organizations committed to celebrating her legacy.
Guests will gather around the table for a family-style supper prepared by Chef Kalin Anderson, whose menu highlights soulful comfort food with Southern influences. Diners can expect dishes such as Cajun BBQ shrimp and grits, seven-hour pot roast, signature fried drums, collard greens with smoked turkey, garlic-herbed rice, black-eyed pea salad, white cheddar macaroni with chip crumble, and candied yam cheesecake. Beer and wine are also included with admission.
The evening will also feature original poetry by Ebony Payne-English, whose performance draws inspiration from her time in Hurston’s former St. Augustine space. Payne-English’s work explores identity, memory, and cultural preservation- themes that align closely with the event’s Juneteenth mission.
Organizers created the supper to encourage guests to connect through conversation and storytelling. Rather than presenting a traditional lecture-style program, the event invites attendees to engage directly with the art, food, and history surrounding Hurston’s legacy.
Local artist Danielle Torry will paint live throughout the evening, adding another layer of artistic expression to the celebration. Organizers will auction the completed painting at the end of the event to support a beautification project for Zora’s Sojourn, a community-centered cultural literacy space dedicated to preserving African American history and traditions in St. Augustine. Also, pianist Aramis Stone will provide live entertainment during the supper, helping create an atmosphere that blends reflection with community engagement.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., followed by welcome remarks at 5 p.m. Dinner service begins shortly afterward, allowing guests to enjoy the communal dining experience before Payne-English takes the stage for her poetry performance. The evening concludes with the live art auction.
Tickets cost $100 for individual communal seating or $1,000 for a private table of eight and are available on Eventbrite. Organizers noted that the curated dining experience does not allow menu substitutions or modifications.
As communities across the country continue to recognize Juneteenth through education, art, and cultural programming, “Zora’s Table” offers a uniquely local opportunity to celebrate Black creativity and heritage in one of Florida’s most historic cities. Through poetry, music, visual art, and shared meals, the event aims to honor the voices and traditions that continue to shape American culture today.
