The Concept And History Of Soul-food

Many cultures exist within every ethnic group. There are many categories that can be divided into each culture. These subcultures are also known as cultures. These are subcultures, which are smaller parts of a culture that do not go against it. These subcultures include music, religion and fashion. Soul-food has become the African American’s preferred cuisine. Soul-food, a popular choice of food in Africa, is also a key part of African American culture. From the era 300 to 1619, Jamestown, Virginia was the home of the first slaves. Many of these slaves were farmers, cattle-raisers, and fishermen. On their way to America, slaves often brought with them several plants like sweet sorghum or watermelon. Slave owners managed the food portions that slaves received during slavery. They often provided only small amounts of starches, meats and other staples. Slave owners often restricted the amount of food they gave their slaves, making it difficult for them to make do with what little food was available. Scavenging, gardening and hunting were all possible. The Europeans had given the Slaves a new way to cook. Many techniques, including cooking collards and fat frying, were brought by slaves from Africa. These techniques were also used to create ribs, fish, and chicken in southern America. These techniques were necessary because of the poor eating conditions on plantations. As America’s enslavement rate increased, so did the popularity of African-American cuisine. The slaves were provided with nutritious food, and the group was also able to bond. Cooking was also a means of expressing oneself. The plantation was a place where slaves spent long hours and were unable to communicate with their loved ones, eat home-cooked meals or spend time with them. Slaves loved returning home to enjoy a homecooked meal. African-American cooking was more than just filling for slaves. Many slaves didn’t know how to read and write, so they simply memorized the recipes and passed them on to their descendants. The American political system was largely influenced by slaves. America experienced economic growth due to the good food and hard work of its slaves. The Progressive Era lasted from 1861 to 1910. The Reconstruction Era was also known by emancipation. Many black churches held gatherings in honor of the Emancipation. Celebration foods included fried chicken, fried fish and yams. The Emancipation would bring about a new sense for blacks of freedom sharecropping, which would be a burden to the African-American culture. The Great Migration, in which 6 million African-Americans moved to the North and Midwest from 1916-1970, would result. Many African-Americans had to move to segregated sections of town because they were exposed to Chinese food, such as chop sueys and pork fried eggs. The food style that slaves made was not known before the 1960s.

Alex Haley in 1963 interviewed Malcolm X to discover the origins of soul food. Many people who were part of the great migration relied on soul food to feel at home. The Great Migration era was over. A new period would begin. This period was called Black Power. Blacks would openly discuss their culture and their political views during the Black Power movement. The mainstream media would soon be able to publish soul food. Soul food was a form of culture that whites couldn’t understand and was considered a link between black people. Soul Food became synonymous with happiness and a feeling of belonging.