According to the African American Registry, Thanksgiving expressions began as church celebrations, where Black pastors delivered powerful sermons addressing the plight of enslaved individuals and the hope for a future free from bondage. This historical context adds depth to the modern-day Thanksgiving celebrations, particularly in Black culture.

Most of us are probably familiar with the story of the Pilgrims who sat down for a meal with the Wampanoag tribe; however, there are essentially two historical attributes for this Thanksgiving holiday.

For centuries now, Black families have grown accustomed to the same, traditional Thanksgiving menu featuring our favorites of mac n’ cheese, collard greens and candied yams.