It is a tradition for most black families to host cookouts for various events such as graduation, birthday celebration, coming home of a family member, etc. The food provided is what majority of black people are accustomed to already. This is what we call, “Soul Food.” It has been used way back when in regards to our ancestors and what was provided to them in the times of slavery.
Soul Food originated back in the late 15th century when the slave owners would feed their slaves (our ancestors) the leftovers and the food that they didn’t want to keep them well enough to prepare for upcoming work. Our ancestors, as they were growing vegetables for the masters, managed to grow enough for themselves and feed their own families. They basically made the best out of what was provided to them, which might i add, wasn’t much.
The origin of Soul Food came from down south. The heat and amounts of animals made it a lot more possible for the food to be prepared in a positions that was well enough to the home cooked meals that is still carried on till this day. Dishes provided include favorites such as…
Fried Chicken, Black-eyed Peas, Collard Greens, Mashed Potatoes. “Soul Food is more like home cooking. It’s the best darn food in the world if you ask me” said by correctional officer, Melvin Butler. Others would consider it as good cooking. “The greatest food in the world!!” as said by Michael Shoreman.
So going to a family event with great smelling food, and grills full of meat and vegetables, nine times out of ten, it is soul food. Cooking that was used way back when and still used today.