Black History Maker
Earl Harrell

Barbecue Chef, Author
and Book Publisher, Jackson, TN

Black History Maker - Long before soul food became trendy, Earl Harrell was onto something big. He just didn’t realize he would be sharing it outside of family with thousands of people. Earl and his wife built the award-winning Earl Southern Catering on a foundation of hickory smoked meats, Earl’s slightly sweet barbecue sauce, and authentic soul food cuisine.

Earl’s hickory smoked barbecue is said to be addictive as he captures major catering clients including Johnson Controls, Miller Brewing Company, YMCA, Corporate Milwaukee, and landed major contracts at the Midwest Airlines Center. He served thousands during conventions, sporting events, banquets, concerts, and trade shows.

With over twenty-five years as barbecue chef, Harrell catered as many as 2,000 guests and often received rave reviews for his one-of-a-kind barbecue sauce and hickory smoked meats. Harrell was featured on local television segments including Ask Gus-TV-6, Viv’s View Television, and Milwaukee’s Talking. His famous barbecue pork sandwich was the top seller and his tender, smoked spare ribs was the talk of the town.

Harrell is also a guest writer on Soul Food Advisor.com and has authored two articles, 9 Easy Steps to Soul Food Barbecue and 7 Easy Steps to Barbecue Chicken. Harrell gave grilling workshops at State Fairs on the correct way to barbecue.

Even with Earl outstanding talent for barbecuing, he is considered disabled due to an industrial accident where his hand was severed several years ago. To help him overcome his horrifying accident, Earl and his wife wrote and published two books, Give This Man a Hand, and Surviving in the Workplace.

The books received national attention in Industrial Safety and Hygiene News, and Men’s Health Magazine and was reviewed by the American Library Association. Harrell also authored the Surviving in the Workplace Presentation and spoke to company CEO’s at workshops and national conventions on staying safe in the Workplace. Presently, the books are read in over 1,000 libraries in the United States.

Today, We Honor- Everyday People and Black History Maker
Mr. Earl Harrell

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