Soul Food Dinner commemorates black history
Campus Times
February 28, 1997
Continuing in the celebration of Black History Month, Minority Student
Affairs, in conjunction with the Afrikan American Student Alliance (AASA),
the Associated Student Federation (ASF) Forum and Aramark, held its traditional
Soul Food Dinner and Jazz Combo on Monday in Davenport Dining Hall.
Although admittance to the celebration was $6 for guests, students with
meal plans paid with their cards.
"The dinner gives people a chance to understand more about the
African-American culture," said Harvel Lewis, coordinator of minority
student affairs. "It's an uplifting time in which guests can just sit
back and eat in a relaxing environment."
On the menu were a variety of main dishes, including deep-fried catfish
and barbecued pork ribs, and an assortment of side dishes, such as potato
salad, rice and beans. Desserts were served as well, ranging from pumpkin
pie to peach cobbler and pineapple upside-down cake.
During the dinner, Dr. James Benson, a retired administrator for the
Pomona Unified School District, and his jazz ensemble, the Gow-Dow Experience,
provided entertainment.
Dr. Benson has a variety of experience in black history. As the former
director of ethnic studies at Cal Poly Pomona, he speaks at black history
programs, prisons, hospitals and "anywhere where people need spirit
and uplifting," he said.
In his sixth year of performing at the Soul Food Dinner, Dr. Benson
still finds jazz carefree.
"The thing that attracted me to jazz music was the fact that it
is the freest form of expression, not only to African-Americans, but to
people as a whole," Dr. Benson said. "It gives me a feeling of
relaxation and comfort, and playing is something I've enjoyed doing."
This aura of relaxation was also evident among the guests, including
freshman Maxine Mitchell.
"Overall, the food was good, and the entertainment set the tone
in a comfortable environment," Mitchell said.
As the music played and guests reminisced, several students walked around
the dining area, modeling a variety of traditional African attire and demonstrating
the importance of heritage.
The fashion show was a new addition to the event and was coordinated
by Lily Brown, a La Verne resident and owner of an African fashions boutique.
Lewis had only one concern about the evening.
"I expected a big outcome as in years previous, but my only worry
was if there were enough tables for guests to sit," she said. "Out
of all the programs given through ULV, the Soul Food Dinner and Jazz Combo
seems to be the only event that brings students, faculty and staff in one
place to enjoy jazz and culture for a little while."