Philadelphia Weekly

Soul Food Junkies

Soul food is both amazing and abysmal. It manages to scratch that culinary itch tied to comfort, but the health costs can be high. The body was just not made to handle that much fat—hauntingly delicious as it is—all at once, but it is a historically important part of African-American culture. Soul food comes out of slavery, a combination of the rich cooking traditions of Africa with the harsh conditions (and substandard sustenance) forced upon slaves in America. This cuisine, borne out of strife, has become a staple of many African-American and Southern diets. Soul Food Junkies, Byron Hurt’s informative 2012 documentary, explores the connection between the food and its consumers, showing how it’s so firmly a part of black culture—to the detriment of many people’s health—but also revealing how the alternatives for inner-city African-Americans leave little room for improvement. Food deserts, a problem Philadelphia has yet to truly fix as well, are areas where there is little-to-no access to fresh food; fast food chains and small convenience stores with snacks passing off as meals are the only affordable and accessible options. Soul Food Junkies questions these unhealthy practices, asking if this facet of African-American culture is too much of a hindrance to be a symbol.The film is screening for free at Community College of Philadelphia, but RSVPs have reportedly reached capacity, so you can stand at the door and hope for some room, or stream it online via PBS’ website. —Michael Brady

Thurs., Feb. 7, 6:30pm. Free. Community College of Philadelphia, 1700 Spring Garden. 215. 231.0511.  whyy.kintera.org/soulfood 
 

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Rate this listing

WHEN
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Recurring: ONCE

TIME & PRICE
6:30pm. Free.

WHERE
Community College of Philadelphia , 1700 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA
One time only on 02/07/2013. .

FOR MORE INFO

Report A Correction

Add to Favorites Print Send to Friend