Have you ever had fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens in one dish? Yes? No? Maybe so? If you had, then you would know that this combination, along with many others, is one of the more basic dishes of soul food. These dishes are what ties my family together. In fact, it’s sometimes the reason why our family comes together during celebrations; or just come at all. Without a doubt, food is very important to my family. These dishes are passed down generation to generation and is linked back to the days of slavery. While growing up, this is a typical meal I would eat at family functions; sure there were more food items but I’m ok with sticking with the basics for now. For instance, I was born in New York while my relatives are from the south; they love their chitlins, on the other hand, I’m ok with limits. I do know some people who don’t eat these type of meals at all who identify themselves as African-American; this is just something my family values. When I was young and it was just my mom and I, all she would do is work and try to make a living for the both of us. Since I was really young, I didn’t mind and took things for granted. Whereas now that I’m more mature and look back to the times where my mom would cook these meals for me with the little time she had. In conclusion, these meals in general is a huge significance in my life; as well as my family.

– Amber Pugh

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant