Comfort food. Soul food. It's exactly what it sounds like. Food made for the soul and for the comfort of the people who created it...the black community.
At my previous employment, we had a Diversity and Inclusion act that we implemented every month. During Black History Month, my black colleagues and I prepared soul food dishes. I brought cornbread and in my research, I learned about corn being one of the few things the slaves could have for themselves.
The slave owners gave the Africans the scraps and next to nothing. They were forced to be creative and innovative in the way they prepared the food to make it taste better and last longer. This was done by adding different seasonings and preparing the food in ways that white people never have. These are traditions that are still apart of black culture today, called comfort or soul food.
I thought it was absolutely amazing how creative black people can be. When I previously majored in theatre arts, my Directing class professor, the late Dr. Shirley Bassfield-Dunlap, explained that parameters are needed when performing because that's when the imagination can be used to it's fullest extent. When you are put in a box or have lack, it forces you to be creative to showcase the story, theme, and invoke the emotion and tone you are trying to portray on stage.
The same can be said for food made by Africans and those of that descent in the time of slavery. For example, animal intestines being fried or boiled for long periods of time, seasoned until the ancestors tell you to stop, creating a Southern staple, chitterlings. Now personally, I wouldn't eat that, but I hear if it's done right, it is absolutely delicious.
"'Soul food' itself goes back to days when plantation owners gave slaves discarded animal parts, such as hog maw (stomach), hog jowl, pigs' feet, ham hocks, and pig intestines. Blacks took this throwaway and added a touch of African culinary technique to create tasty dishes". "What Africa Has Given America" by Joseph E. Holloway
As we discussed in our group for the reading of the chapter "What Africa Has Given America" by Joseph Holloway, we see there seems to be a consensus among the community that we wish our culture didn't have to be based on harsh treatment and conditions in the time of slavery. But we all agree, our culture would be extremely different had it not been for the adversity and suffering of our ancestors. Which is why we continue such traditions, to pay homage to those who have given their lives and suffered much so we can be who and what we are today.
Happy Black History Month to my fellow brothers and sisters! Let's keep our culture alive! And let's keep pushing for equity and sustenance and continue to be the beautiful population that we are!
I liked your blog. It really is amazing to see the different ways Africans have been proving and holding their own roots. Despite everything else that was occurring and the broadcast of slavery with its negativity, there were many things that was shining through. I would like to ask you your thoughts on whether success can't be achieved without struggle. Do you think that without slavery, the world would be as "thriving" or Black embedded, as it is now?
Hi Daymon,
I enjoyed reading your blog and it was very relatable for me. I also worked at a company within the diversity, equity, and inclusion team. For black history month last year we had a new black artist come in and perform each week. As someone who loves to eat, the idea to bring in soul food dishes was great!
Hi Daymon.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information on your blog. Food is so soothing to the soul. It is also one of the best ways to bring our people together in fellowship. There is something about food, conversation and culture that makes everything ok. We tend to feel at peace, loved and great joyfulness around family, friends and food! Our ancestors knew this as well and I do feel that they brought that with them from Africa to the new world. In fact it has enormous power because, it has stood the test of time and lasted for generations. I am reminded of our ancestors and slavery when most foods are placed in front of me…
I love that our African heritage is wrapped in the food we eat. I love black-eyed peas, cornbread, okra, and the scraps of the pig like chitterlings. It is amazing to me how the African culture is so embedded in what we think is the American culture, even when it comes to food. Reading your post made me quite hungry for a big plate of soul food.