This story from The Food Section, a Southern food publication, covers a panel on Black contributions to North Carolina seafood and demonstrates how racism continues to shape the industry.

Crabber Quinetta “Mermaid Q” Manley says she realized “racism was in the water” after facing sabotage, threats, and even the sinking of her boat. Other panelists included Herman Manley, Capt. John Mallette, and Chef Jamie Davis. The speakers described gear vandalism, supplier retaliation, and distributors steering lower-quality fish toward Black chefs, limiting income, market access, and professional respect.

At the same time, panelists stressed, commercial fishing and shellfish harvesting can offer a path to real income and independence, including for people who face barriers to traditional employment.

To get the full scoop, dive in →

Boiled crab photo by Jason MC Han, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.