Food, Culture, and Black History

Connecting Through the Soul

Salina Ks.— Soul food celebrates family, culture, and tradition. Soul food is a deeply rooted legacy bearing the history resiliency, and innovation of the Black population in America.Inspired first by African, Native American, and European tastes, soul food has evolved into a symbol of ethnic identity and togetherness especially during Black History Month. Its emphasized tastes and substantial cuisine tell stories of survival, celebration, and community, reminding us of the tenacity and fortitude Black families have endured over decades. Soul cuisine defines comfort meals like fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and more fall under. 

photo by A.J. Cahee writer

Food Culture and History 

These dishes started in need during the days of slavery, when Africans under enslavement had to be creative in making good meals from leftovers or scraps from their owners’ homes. Over time, these modest beginnings evolved into cherished, signature dishes passed down in homes.

Photo by A.J. Cahee writer

One institution honoring this cultural relevance during Black History Month is none other than the cafeteria of your very own Kansas Wesleyan University. Black History Month has seen the cafeteria highlight February soul food cuisine. Including these traditional foods will let kids taste history and connect with the past, therefore respecting the relevance of soul food in the African American experience. Still, some students feel despite the effort the frequency and prominence of soul food on the menu still require work. Offering his thoughts on the matter, Kansas Wesleyan student Malik Mullen said, “I enjoy soul food and I look forward to the times I have with my family eating dinner. This is something that really pulls us together.”

Soul Food is More Than Food

Black History Month presents an opportunity to honor this wonderful tradition and contemplate how food connects us to the people we love, past, and present. For Malik and others, soul food is about memories, conversations, and happiness it offers, not only what’s on the plate. In keeping with celebration, Kansas Wesleyan’s attempt to offer soul cuisine in the cafeteria pays a little but noteworthy respect to this history. Food, like culture, clearly is a powerful force bringing people together even if further study and blending of many cuisines are still needed. Not only during Black History Month but every day of the year should one taste, remember, and appreciate this. Check this link for more on Black History Month with Kansas Wesleyan University.

Photo by A.J. Cahee writer