Soul Food through the 20th Century
The term “soul food” did not emerge until the 1960’s in the United States (Witt). However, the style of cooking had been around since Africans came over to America during an age of slavery followed by over a hundred years of segregation and great hardship. Food served not only as a source of nourishment, but also as a tool for strength, unity, and resilience. Boiled yams accompanied cayenne pepper and a whole lot of love from the enslaved cooks on the plantations. After the abolishment of slavery, ingredients, techniques, associations between food and comfort, and identification of meals with African-American pride transcended to succeeding generations. While holding a central identity, the ideas and traditions of “soul food” evolved throughout the 1900’s as the social and political climate changed in the South and throughout the United States. Influences that reflected in the food included the diverse southern cooking, changing diets with changing attitudes about nutrition, and emergence of increased risk of life-threatening diseases in the black community.
"Soul Food" by Big K. R. I. T.
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Hip-hop artist Big K. R. I. T. released a song at the end of 2014 that critiques today's society and praises the times he had growing up in Mississippi, which he closely associates with soul food. The lyrics embody the respect for and the importance of the food that represents much more than dishes. "If it ain't made with love then it ain't fit to serve...it ain't ripe, it ain't right." How the food is prepared is just as important as how it tastes. Through a child's eyes, he shows that they represent times of strength, comfort, security and warmth. "I really miss those times, that soul food's on my mind...Grandma's hands used to usher Sunday mornings" with elaborate meals. "I still remember, the family parties, the happy faces, no broken hearts, nobody starvin'." These feelings are now being overrun by harsh realities the artist witnesses and experiences as he grows up near violence-ridden streets and destructive relationships. But, despite the sense of loss and defeat, this song pays tribute to part of his childhood that holds a special place in his and many other's hearts.
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Importance of Food in the Southern African-American Community
Food was a major part of the African-American culture, during and after slavery. It was a way to maintain cultural dignity, preserving traditional ingredients and techniques. It was the food they knew, they grew up with, and used because it was part of their skill set. But it was also a form of rebellion against the American expectation of submitting to their rules and their cultural practices. It brought people together, providing a reason to gather, to supplement their diets for mere survival, to celebrate and honor African culture, to create and strengthen a sense of community, and to comfort one another. The food represented self-reliance and strength. The images of the food evolved as the culture made drastic changes, but it maintained a central identity, expressing the resilience of the African-Americans. Soul food during the 20th century helped fuel the civil rights movement leaders and protesters. It gave people a safe place to go when others were oppressing them. It also led to major health concerns. Looking at both the beneficial and detrimental sides of soul food, it had major impact on the Southern black culture.