We the Pizza: Slangin’ Pies and Savin’ Lives

Down North, the immensely popular Philadelphia pizza shop led by founder and entrepreneur Adbul-Hadi, is known for two things: original and delicious pies and their critical mission to hire formerly incarcerated people, giving them a path to change their lives and prevent recidivism. This compelling book shares important stories while showcasing the recipes for pizzas created by chef Michael Carter, each named after the title of a song by a famous Philly-based musician (Roc the Mic; Streets of Philadelphia). Many are vegetarian or vegan, while all the meat versions are halal, with options to make each vegetarian by preference. The accompanying photographs are mouth-watering and encourage home cooks to begin making their Norf sauces, doughs, and flavor combinations. Interspersed throughout are featured essays telling the often-painful path employees have traveled through the penal system and their eventual release with positive and successful outcomes. Footnotes across many of the pages tell the timeline of the history of incarceration in the United States, primarily focused on the laws targeting nonwhite people. This cookbook is the perfect combination of delicious culinary creation and important messaging.