Food History: Soul Food

Soul food can be a divisive term. How is soul food different than Southern food? Does soul food refer to rib-sticking food like fried chicken and ribs, or more everyday fare like red beans and rice? Soul food pioneers like Princess Pamela point the way towards an answer. Join Justin Dodd, Chris Scott, and Dr. Jessica B. Harris as they explore the history of soul food.

Special thanks to -
Chef Chris Scott
Dr. Jessica B. Harris
The Institute of Culinary Education
& The Museum of Food and Drink

Food History is a new series from Mental Floss where we dive deep into the culinary stories that lead to the food on our plates. If you have an idea for a dish, cooking technique, or cuisine that you’d like us to explore in a future episode, tell us in the comments.

[hiccuphufflepuff]

I never knew where the fried chicken stereotype came from. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for making it.

[dsf]

I’m only 90 seconds in, but starting out with Princess Pamela and having Dr. Jessica B. Harris in the first 90 seconds has made me _really_ excited for this video. I studied Soul Food while in college, and it’s history is often overlooked as well as much of what it actually is is erased. Seeing that in the first 1:30 is really exciting/promising!

One thing: the origin of the term ‘Soul Food’ likely originates from W. E. B. DuBois’ essay, _The Soul of Black Folk, _ not from Shakespeare or the Church.

Also: OMG! The discussion of celebration food vs everyday food is so important & I’m so happy y’all included it! Although the pioneer of that term is Alice Randall & Caroline Randall-Williams in their book, _Soul Food Love._

Another thing: the _real_ day for celebration food for enslaved people was the 4th of July (Frederick Douglass wrote fairly extensively about it). The food cooked on that day was part of the origin of barbecue.

Also: Sylvia Woods, Leah Chase, & Edna Lewis ❤️

This is a phenomenal video. Really well done.

[infoscholar]

You do a great job here, bro. I'm from Alabama, and the denial runs pretty deep here about the black contribution to Southern Culture, on so many levels. After the confederate loss of the Civil War, white folks had to start eating what the black folks had been living on. 75% of Southern Cuisine is indistinguishable from "Soul Food, " because we all lived side by side, using the same humble ingredients, and the white folks copied the black folks. Don't get me started on music. Oh, yeah, I'm white, btw.

[GreyDevil]

Really excellent video. Some Latin American dishes also have a connection to Africa because of the slave trade, it's a marriage of native dishes, European and African. It's certainly important to look at some of the things we eat and understand its history, it connects us to each other and also the people who came before us.

[CrystalWilliamsoncoach]

OMG I asked for a sign to continue my own YouTube channel - you gave it to me today with the shout out Justin!! Thank you!!! By the way I met Dr Harris at an Essence magazine event eons ago. PS - love the shirt

[suddieparry]

You just made me realise something. In Jamaica, we say "nyam" which means to eat which must come from a West African language like you said. Mind blown!

[mfrenchcazenovia]

White girl here. Not a fan of sweet potatoes, but I LOVE okra! And collards cooked with ham hocks, corn bread, black-eyed peas and fried fish. There is so much in the culinary world to explore! And it's all right here.

[andyzhang]

What an eye opening history. It’s incredible how the story of soul food is so intrinsically tied to the struggle and perseverance of African Americans through history. It reminds me of when I learned that Jerk Chicken is prepared and smoked without they way is was by escaped slaves specifically to evade the slave owners that were looking for them.

[kaziiqbal]

I could listen to Dr. Harris talk about food for hours

[matthewdrummond]

Fried chicken the glue that holds the world together regardless of skin colour etc.. Well unless you're vegan or even vegetarian then my condolences. 🤷‍♂️

[nikolausdeems]

After listening to Dr. Harris talk about gumbo, y’all should do a show about all the delicious Cajun and creole food from Louisiana.

[astoldbyt]

Black girl here. Not gonna lie, when I saw the title I cringed prematurely, but I must say this video was well done. Thank you for showcasing my culture in a tasteful, informative, respectful, accurate way. It’s a nice change of pace!

[TheSublimeLifestyle]

Powerful video. Very reflective on how much culture exists between African Americans. And how much of it has been downplayed or washed.

Thank you!

[miathomas]

In the time of quarantine baking I’d love to see a history of sourdough or fermentation in general! #itsalive

[averagejoebitcoin]

I’m no bleeding heart. I don’t put black squares on IG. But that was powerful and insightful. That chef from ICE brought me to tears when I heard his reverence for soul food and what it means to him.

I now can understand why some black peoples refuse to eat fried chicken in public. The unkind and hateful cultures have embarrassed him into forgetting his history and his specific generational strife.

That unawareness leads to low brow ridicule and unintended cruelty.

I won’t censor others or myself. But if I do engage in cheap jokes and snickers, I’ll be sure to follow up with an even more forceful commentary on our “jokes” possible unintended consequences. As low vibration as it is to not give it any more thought to our silly words, I’ll always follow up with a push for a higher understanding of the meaning of “soul food”.

The beauty of it when it’s contextualized is to tell the story of human struggle and perseverance.

Thank you

[queenbbeaute]

I find it hilarious how the low cuts of meat are now expensive and high demand and are Now seen as Traditional American Southern Cuisine isn't it funny 😁 Thank u so much for telling the Truth they try there best to hide our contributions to this society Stay Blessed 🙏🏽

[Taradise]

Thank you for this. I love my people, culture, and the energy that we ARE. We have contributed greatly to a land that still doesn't feel like home to us... But at least we have soul and food. ❤ 🖤 💚

[brandongarrison]

You guys did an excellent job. Quite an exceptional job. This deserves an Emmy.

[CaptainPIanet]

This was a really well set up video! I especially like the experts that you brought on and the way it seamlessly fit in with the overall narrative.

[umarscamartistjohnson]

This is how a video is supposed to be made 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾