The Legacy of Soul Food and Black Resilience: A Recipe for Unity and Hope

By LaDawn Sullivan

Black people have always found a way to turn struggle into sustenance, setbacks into strength, and hardship into hope. No example embodies this more than soul food—a cuisine created from survival, but rooted in love, resilience, and community.

During slavery, our ancestors were given the scraps—the unwanted parts of animals, the simplest grains, and the toughest greens. Yet, from these remnants, they created something nourishing, flavorful, and deeply meaningful. Fried chicken, cornbread, collard greens, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes—these were more than just meals. They were symbols of transformation. What was meant to break us instead became a source of strength, connection, and culture.

But soul food isn’t just about making do—it’s about making something beautiful, delicious, and unifying. It’s about gathering. It’s about pulling up another chair and making sure everyone has a plate. It has been the center of my growing up, and my cooking skills were honed by my grandmother. The Sunday dinners, cookouts, fish fries, and holiday feasts have long been sacred spaces where stories are shared, relationships are built, and love is reaffirmed. The table has always been a place of resistance—where plans for justice movements were discussed, where intergenerational wisdom and sacred recipes were passed down, and where Black joy flourished despite the world’s attempts to steal it.

Today, we see the same resilience in navigating historic systems designed to deny us resources, power, and dignity. Just as we transformed scraps into sustenance, we are turning policy setbacks into progress. When the world attempts to limit our access to education, housing, or healthcare, we build our own institutions, advocate for policy change, and create economic pathways that sustain our communities. We continue to pull up more chairs, expand the table, and make room for full liberation.

Soul food teaches us that we don’t just survive—we thrive, we unite, and we lead. Our history has always been about making a way out of no way, not just for ourselves but for future generations. And just like our food, our fight for justice is seasoned with resilience, love, and an unshakable commitment to one another.

From survival to sovereignty. From scraps to a feast. From struggle to liberation. The table is set. Let’s keep building, expanding, and making sure everyone has a seat at the table.

To build strong Black communities in Colorado, join the movement here.

A Recipe of Unity and Hope: Black-Eyed Peas & Collard Greens

Black-eyed peas symbolize prosperity and progress, while collard greens represent wealth and well-being. Together, they create a dish that embodies the spirit of resilience, unity, and hope for a better future. This recipe was passed down from generations before me.

Ingredients:

●      2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight

●      1 large bunch collard greens, washed and chopped

●      6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

●      1 smoked turkey wing or ham hock (or smoked paprika to taste for a vegan option)

●      1 small onion, diced

●      3 cloves garlic, minced

●      1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

●      1 teaspoon black pepper

●      1 teaspoon smoked paprika

●      1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

●      1 teaspoon thyme

●      1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

●      1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

Directions:

1.     Cook the black-eyed peas: Drain the soaked peas and place them in a large pot with 4 cups of broth and the smoked turkey or ham hock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 45 minutes or until tender.

2.     Prepare the greens: In a separate large skillet or pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the collard greens and cook for 5 minutes.

3.     Combine and season: Add the cooked collard greens to the pot of black-eyed peas. Stir in the remaining 2 cups of broth, red pepper flakes, black pepper, smoked paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme. Let simmer for 30 minutes.

4.     (Optional) Finish with vinegar: Stir in apple cider vinegar for a bit of brightness. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5.     Serve and share: Enjoy with cornbread and invite others to the table.

May every bite be a celebration of our resilience, our unity, and our unwavering hope. This dish is more than food—it’s a reminder of where we’ve been, the strength we carry, and the future we are building together BRIC by BRIC.