Feasting Forward: How New Year’s Traditions in Black Kitchens Serve Up History and Hope

Dish after dish, each ingredient carefully chosen, tells a tale. Stories from the Black community’s culinary heritage, steeped in history and rich with meaning, reveal resilience, remembrance, and a continued hope for a brighter tomorrow. No, we’re not talking about the tired, overused stereotypes like chicken and watermelon. Instead, let’s delve into the traditions that have become integral to how we celebrate, connect, and carry forward the legacies of our ancestors. One of the most poignant culinary traditions occurs every New Year’s Eve within the Black community, a time when food does more than just satisfy hunger—it serves as a bridge linking our West African roots and our history of oppression with our aspirations for prosperity and good tidings. The future our enslaved ancestors prayed and wished for has materialized, but the legacy of the meals they prepared still plays a vital role in our celebrations. It’s not just about remembering where we came from; it’s about fueling where we’re going. Take Black-Eyed Peas, for instance. These aren’t just a staple on the table. They’re a symbol of survival and the centerpiece of a tradition that spans from the southern United States to the coastlines of Los Angeles and beyond,...