QUINCY (WGEM) – The Quincy Public Library offers a chance to learn history and to enjoy the soul food that has shaped American traditions.
Ahead of Juneteenth, QPL will host on Saturday, “Barbeques and Fish Fries: The African American Contribution to the American Culinary Experience”.
Library staff said many people don’t know how much of an impact African Americans have had on our food culture. The event will teach the history of soul food, address negative connotations, and more.
“I think it’s important that people know the educational history behind those foods, and why they’re always present at Black celebrations, and why we should all celebrate them and their history,” said Community Engagement Librarian Rachelle Gage.
Gage added that food is a great way to connect us to history and relationships.
“Food is a little place to start, and any food celebrations. Quincy even has a history of food celebrations and barbecues and street picnics, and its history where it was always black and white combined, and everybody ate the same foods. I think we need to get back to that.”
The event includes traditional soul food, like greens, cornbread, sweet potato pie and fried catfish. A traditional West African drink will also be available to sample. Native African plants will also be handed out as door prizes.
The event goes from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the library’s large meeting room. You can sign up for free on QPL’s website.
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Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag