Chef Curtis Aikens shares literacy journey in Redlands

Food Network chef Curtis Aikens has built a long and storied career in the food and television industries, despite not learning to read until his mid-20s.

More than 200 people gathered at the Contemporary Club in Redlands on Friday, April 17, to hear Aikens share his journey from illiteracy to success during an adult literacy event.

During the event, adult literacy learners, their family members and volunteer tutors were recognized for their contributions to the program.

“This wouldn’t be possible without them,” said Diane Shimota, adult literacy coordinator at A.K. Smiley Public Library. About 5,000 volunteer hours are dedicated to the program each year. “All of you are invested in changing lives through literacy.”

Two adult learners, Sotheavy Peterson and Tina Isaac, also spoke, sharing personal stories that highlighted the importance of literacy.

“I am like the Forrest Gump of the food world,” Aikens said. “Growing up in Conyers, Georgia, not knowing how to read – my biggest fear was having to go to school every day and making sure I wasn’t found out.”

Aikens said his life changed when he learned to read at age 26 through the Marin County Free Library Literacy Volunteers of America.

Gaining literacy opened doors he had never imagined. He began as a produce supplier before transitioning into television and media appearances as a produce expert and later as a chef.

Early connections to cooking

Aikens said his love of food began at home, where he taught himself to cook using his mother’s recipes.

“My mother was the best cook/chef I ever knew, and she turned out great meals in what we call a one butt kitchen,” Aikens said. “It was so small, however she always made room for my butt to be in there with her.”

Determined to learn techniques used by professional chefs, Aikens said he practiced relentlessly.

“Lord have mercy. I got good though. Now I can sauté with two hands, it’s really cool,” he said.

Throughout the evening, Aikens shared stories from his career, including meeting three U.S. presidents and former first lady Michelle Obama, speaking to the United Kingdom Parliament, encountering Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in an elevator and assisting poet Maya Angelou in an airport. He also crossed paths with chef Julia Child.

“Had I not lived it, I would think, ‘He is lying,’” Aikens said.

Health challenges, including diabetes and two heart attacks, prompted Aikens to adopt a healthier lifestyle. He also offered the audience practical advice on selecting fresh produce.

Focus on literacy and outreach

Aikens emphasized the importance of expanding adult literacy efforts, particularly among men.

“Dudes, we feel like we can’t come forward and ask for help, so I want us all to talk about literacy and illiteracy,” he said.

He encouraged attendees to help bring more men into literacy programs.

“If you are having a problem struggling with reading, don’t be ashamed or embarrassed,” he said. “That’s what Curtis Aikens did, and now he is running for office.”

Aikens is currently running for a seat on the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

His personal motto, he said, is “Spread love,” a philosophy that extends to both food and community.

“Good food is good food,” Aikens said, recalling advice from guitarist Chet Atkins: “Good music is good music, we don’t need no labels.”

“It really changed my thoughts on so much in the world,” he said.

Reflecting on his childhood, Aikens shared how early struggles shaped his perspective.

When his third-grade teacher, Mrs. Harper, spoke to his mom, ‘You know, Curtis is dumb, he is stupid, he’s gotta repeat the third grade,’” Aikens said. “She didn’t say that. But that’s what I heard.”

Those experiences now guide how he connects with children.

“Whatever height they are, I’m at that level,” he said. “I’ll be sitting on the floor with them so they can see my eyeballs, so they can touch my heart. That’s the lesson I give to teachers.”

Aikens closed by encouraging support for local literacy programs.

“I really want you all to be pied pipers for the library,” he said. “There are so many wonderful things about the library.”

His latest book, A Family Affair Cooking Is, was distributed to select audience members.

The event concluded with a call for donations and volunteers for the A.K. Smiley Public Library Adult Literacy Program. More information is available at www.akspl.org/literacy/.