On August 7, 2026, Culinary Conveaux and Conveaux Productions hosted a community screening of the documentary They’re Trying to Kill Us in Harlem. Designed as an intimate gathering bridging media, food, and education, the activation brought together 30 local guests and four Black-owned marketplace vendors for an evening focused on health literacy, nutrition, and mental wellness.
Moving Beyond Passive Viewing
While the event featured approximately 80% of the documentary’s runtime, the focus of the evening shifted toward active audience participation. The post-screening programming featured over 45 minutes of structured panel dialogue, followed by an extended Q&A session that ran well past its scheduled end time due to deep audience engagement.
Led by Conveaux founder Dani Baughan and Culinary Conveaux CEO Chef Ray Carter, the activation integrated local entrepreneurs directly into the program. Rather than keeping small businesses confined to vendor tables, two marketplace founders were elevated directly onto the discussion panel to share their expertise.
Key Event Metrics
- Total Attendance: 30 guests (including 11 ticketed attendees)
- Marketplace Vendors: 4 Black-owned local businesses
- Panel Integration: 2 participating vendors featured as key panel contributors
- Programming: Documentary screening, 45+ minute panel discussion, extended Q&A, and vegan culinary tasting
Experts Bridge Nutrition, Mental Health, and Community Action
The panel focused on the intersection of physical nutrition, stress, chronic illness prevention, and emotional well-being. They’re Trying to Kill Us director and producer John Lewis (Badass Vegan) appeared alongside a panel of health and wellness advocates:
- Dr. Marcia Codling – Pharmacist and herbalist
- Scott Burnhard – Vegan wellness coach (Host)
- Janeil Mason – Personal trainer and creator of Fit and Lit
- Jessica Hammond – Forager and herbalist
Together, the speakers offered practical guidance on plant-based living, herbalism, and accessible entry points for personal health improvements through a three-phase model:
- Knowledge & Awareness: Gained through the documentary screening and live panel dialogue.
- Tactile Experience: Put into practice through the vegan food tasting and marketplace discovery.
- Actionable Change: Sustained through direct access to local experts and community vendors.
Experiential Wellness and Local Partnerships
The event extended its wellness message directly to the menu, featuring plant-based catering by Chef Joseph Moore Jr. Additionally, attendees were connected with local Black-owned businesses offering health and wellness resources, including:
- Sisters Uptown Bookstore
- Monty’s Juices
- Natural Essentials Wellness Cafe
- NSUO Skin
Hosted in partnership with venue providers In Podcast Mode and Communitas Ventures, the evening demonstrated an ecosystem-based approach to community events—combining space, media, and local commerce into a single accessible framework.
Future Outlook
Following the success of the Harlem activation, Culinary Conveaux plans to expand its neighborhood-based programming. Future events will continue utilizing live dialogue, culturally relevant media, plant-based culinary offerings, and direct access to wellness experts to make health resources approachable and actionable for local communities.