Within our diverse population at Andrews are various “Black” cultures (Caribbean, African, American, Afro-Latinx) and traditions, and a large aspect of these cultures happens to be food. Though it seems like something we eat just for the taste and energy, the foods we make and eat connect us to our cultural identity. This Black History Month, I have interviewed some students on campus to hear about their favorite foods and what they have to do with who they are as people.
Colin Browne (sophomore, psychology)[American, Caribbean] says that one of his favorite foods is oxtail with rice and peas, but only if it is made properly. He also likes jerk chicken. Colin says that “we bond while cooking. It impresses the older generations when our food matches theirs and it genuinely just brings community and peace.”
Prudence Mange (sophomore, medical laboratory sciences, pre-med) [Zimbabwean], says that one of her favorite cultural foods is sadza, made of corn flour and sautéed kale and beef stew. She also likes yellow rice and potato salads. “Since these foods are common staples, sharing these memories solidifies the common relationships we share with people as conversations in community events, or even in familial settings,” Mange says. “A statement that I like in one of my native languages that shows the pivotal role that food plays in my culture is “Hukama igasva hunozadziswa nekudya” (Shona). It is a statement that testifies to the fact that relationships are fundamental and oftentimes are solidified through sharing a meal.”
Dania Keyes’ (freshman, aviation) [Jamaican] favorite cultural foods are steamed escovitch fish with bammy, curried goat with roti, ackee and saltfish. She says that “Jamaican cultural food is deeply connected to both culture and family. It reflects the rich history, traditions, and influences of Jamaica. Many Jamaican dishes have been passed down through generations, and this creates a strong sense of family and community. Jamaicans love food and we often prepare it so we can enjoy, strengthen our bonds and celebrate our Jamaican heritage.”
D’Mya Duncan (sophomore, architecture) [American] enjoys the soul foods that Black Americans have made their own, such as mac and cheese “made correctly” she says. “It has been a main dish in my family since I could remember. As Black Americans we really had to come up with our own cultural food because a lot of our culture was stripped away from us many years ago. Some would argue that mac and cheese (or soul food in general) is not a dish but I believe it is because it’s something that we really made our own in a country where we had nothing,” Duncan says.
Nigel Emilaire (junior, digital communications) [St. Lucian] loves bakes, a type of bread that you can eat with saltfish or anything else and it’s similar to Johnny cakes or fried dumplings, and dahl, which is a fried homemade dough filled with lentils or saltfish. Emilaire also likes mac and cheese. “I feel like it provides connection–a tradition that is being passed down between generations and also connecting each other because the food is made with love! Like taking a piece of home with you wherever you go.”
Jewel Murray (graduate, physical therapy) [American, Bahamian, Puerto Rican] enjoys American or Bahamian style macaroni and cheese, tostones (savory fried plantains), and arroz con gandules with pollo guisado (yellow rice with pigeon peas and stewed chicken). Murray says, “These particular recipes have been passed down generationally on both sides of my family and it has been very important that the women in my family know how to prepare these dishes. These dishes are specifically eaten on special occasions and holidays which make them integral to the celebratory aspect of my heritage. I love being able to make, share, and enjoy food from 3 major cultures of the Diaspora!”
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.