The Spiritual Alchemy of Food and the Quest for Racial Reconciliation in America

Masud Olufani experienced profound pain during 2020, a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the harrowing deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. "Their murders triggered an overwhelming response in me—emotionally and physically," he reflects. In 2021, after lockdowns lifted, Olufani ventured to Sierra Leone, where the vibrant sights and rich aromas of local markets invigorated his thoughts on history and the African diaspora. This journey led to a revelation: food transcends mere sustenance; it embodies cultural and ancestral memory. His mixed-media exhibit, “A Sorcery of Sustenance,” showcases African culinary heritage, illustrating food's role as a spiritual bridge between past and present. Using traditional foods as artistic inspiration, Olufani underscores their connection to identity and resilience within Black culture. He emphasizes the importance of rediscovering these practices to foster cultural wholeness, stating they are crucial in navigating systemic erasure. The essence of this journey reveals the ongoing narrative of creativity amidst historical adversity.