The results are in... All winners will be recognized at Catholic School Night on 6/28. (More information to follow.)

The Social Justice Journalism Awards:
Bronze   Reanne Louis Grade 8  Ss. Joachim and Anne School

Social Justice Art Award:
4-6 Samantha Valentin Grade 6 Ss. Joachim and Anne School


Thank you to all who contributed to Tablet, Jr. this year. All the nominated students are winners, and we are very proud of their accomplishments!

Soul Food’s Impact on History and Cuisine

Soul food's history deserves as much recognition as its cuisine.

      African Americans have created many of the meals a lot of us know and love today. We cook and enjoy these foods but don’t truly recognize the history behind them. Learning about it won’t only educate you on Black History but how their struggles and uprisings may relate to your Catholic faith.

     Throughout slavery, African Americans struggled. A specific issue they faced was food insecurity. During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, slave owners didn’t feed them the large dinners they made. Instead, they were fed what was deemed “disgusting” and had low nutritional value. The undesirable slabs of meat or leftover pieces of veggies. Slaves all across Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama were given these low quality foods in hopes of giving them something small enough that it wasn’t luxurious but big enough to sustain them. Regardless of this unfair treatment, they pulled through and used what they had. They didn’t give up. 

     Soul food embodies just one of the highs and lows African Americans still face today. Christ calls us to do similar things during hard situations. In 2 Chronicles 15:17 Jesus says “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” With the hard work slaves had done in the past, African Americans are able to eat these dishes with joy now, knowing what their ancestors had to go through for that to be accomplished. Ways of seasoning and cooking these foods have been passed down since slavery and have been improved overtime while also keeping traditions alive. African Americans in the South have created cooking classes, cookbooks, and websites to expand knowledge on soul food and its recipes. African Americans weren't allowed to read or write in the past for many years, but because they fought so long for change, they’ve been able to and have used this ability to share these foods with everyone. 

      Soul food and its influence on African Americans plays a big part in Black History. The history behind it can be an example for us Catholics when we feel like we're going through something difficult. You can create something big out of something small. You can accomplish something with enough determination. God helps guide us through these things and is glad when we follow through with them. African Americans were given small rations of corn and pork but were able to create foods enjoyed all over the United States like cornbread through God’s grace. 

     Though African Americans struggled, they were able to eventually do so much because of their perseverance. This should be talked about during Black History Month and is an example of God helping you accomplish things during difficult times.