In many Southern communities, Watch Night Services will take place in many churches. It’s a tradition that goes back to 1862, when enslaved Africans in South Carolina prayed and stayed awake to enjoy their first day of freedom – January 1, 1863 or Freedom’s Eve – in a divided United States. Today, some churches will hold services into the New Year while others will begin and end a service early, so that members can get home to entertain or be entertained.
Black Home Heritage: Wood-Burning Stoves for Homes and the Memories They Memories they Made
Thoughts of pioneer and prairie living generally come to mind, when the mention of a wood-burning stove and heater comes up in conversation. Maybe the thought of an elder in the family who obsesses over
Black-Owned Candy Brands for Halloween with Tips for Treat Bags
Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat; is the phrase we all will be heading towards the end of October. However, when this phrase is being said, we ought to be prepared
Marie Laveau: Voodoo Queen of New Orleans – Books to Add To Your Collection
Mardi Gras is right around the corner. This event is truly a cultural experience to be had in the South and not one to miss. From the Zulu Ball to the Parades and great food,
10 Small Southern Towns to Visit for Fall
Being from an extremely small town, I can validate that most tourists just pass through, but I can also validate the fact that not all small towns are terrible or boring like most assume. Small
Rice Beds are a Part of the Gullah Home Heritage
Nothing said pride and self-importance like the rice beds commissioned by planters who owned Carolina Gold rice plantations. And the rice was indeed gold as it contributed to the wealth found in South Carolina’s Lowcountry
Black Beauty Heritage: My Mom’s Skincare Routine is now a Family Tradition
My mom is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. She is beautiful inside and out and exudes confidence, grace, and class. Her skin has always been flawless, soft as butter and wrinkle-free. She never
African American Heritage Travel: How to Curate a Socially Distanced Family Experience This Fall In Natchez, MS
Looking for a fall destination that is family-friendly with lots of open space and southern charm? You should definitely add Natchez, MS. The historic city of Natchez is one of the oldest cities located in
New Year’s Eve Travel: Historic Black Churches to Visit for Watch Night Celebrations
Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Why not take a trip and celebrate a New Year’s Eve Watch Night at a Historic Black Church. Watch Night, also called Freedom’s Eve, Christian religious
How to Cook Hoppin’ Johns with Black Eye Peas
In the South, you must have Black Eye Peas for New Year. Why not try them with your Hoppin’ Johns. With help from Rashuanda Grant of The Carolina Cookery, we want you to learn how
Recap: 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards Yields More Firsts for African Americans
They are called the “Oscars” of the culinary industry, and this year’s series of James Beard Foundation Awards programming were filled with pageantry and glamour, including a red carpet event. Unlike last year, there were
Black Heritage Travels: How to Experience Middle Tennessee This Fall
Middle Tennessee could provide the perfect recipe for romance that includes whiskey, great food, carriage rides and copper skies. The region’s vegetation is beautiful year-round but fall arrives with a colorful treat to the eye due
Lowcountry Juneteenth: Inspiration for How to Celebrate Juneteenth at Home
One of my favorite holidays to celebrate is Juneteenth. This year I decided to host a Lowcountry Juneteenth in my home with a few of my favorite Juneteeth foods and Lowcountry style. If you are
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Southern Bred, Soul Infused
Our Food Historian Robin Caldwell describes,
Adhering to the many food traditions and customs is an artful act in our homes. It’s as important not to eat some foods on New Year’s Eve as what to eat that day. If you eat fowl or anything that can fly, your good luck can fly away before the New Year. Also, you don’t want to eat anything that can move fast backwards like lobster, crab and shrimp, unless of course you want your good fortune to be left behind. But you can eat fish on New Year’s Eve. There is the belief that since black-eyed peas swell, eating them will cause your bank account to swell in the New Year. Greens such as collards represent dollars and when served with cornbread even more luck will follow. Rice is also considered a good luck food and Hoppin’ John is a favored tradition in the lowcountry.
