Soul Food Junkies on witf 5.20 & 5.26
Photo by Laylah Amatullah Barrayn
Soul food.
In his latest film, Soul Food Junkies, award-winning filmmaker Byron Hurt asks this question:
“Is this diet nurturing or destroying the African American community?”
Hurt grew up on “soul food” himself, eating fried chicken, mac and cheese, peach cobbler, biscuits, gravy, bacon, ribs… foods made with a lot of love, but a lot of fat, grease and sugar as well.
He was inspired by his own family’s complex relationship with “soul food” to explore this quintessential American cuisine and its significance to black cultural identity. But, he also examines its effect on African American health.
Tune in to witf TV on Monday May 20th, 2013 at 10:30 p.m. to catch this compelling, educational, and motivational film. It will air again on witf on Sunday May 26th at 11 p.m.
Photo by Byron Hurt
Filmmaker Byron Hurt with his mother, Frances Hurt, and sister, Taundra Hurt.
Hurt’s own father struggled to give up his high-fat and calorie soul food diet, even after receiving a cancer diagnosis. In the film, he looks at how diet plays a significant role in the increase in health problems like obesity, Diabetes, and cancer among African Americans.
The film also highlights some of the pioneers in the emerging food justice movement who are advocates for urban gardens, less processed foods, and less food deserts.
Hurt hopes that the film will have an impact and make a difference. He says,”I hope this film makes it easier for families and communities to talk openly and honestly about the impact food has on their lives and their health.”
Photo by Shawn Escoffery
Fried chicken.
He adds, “I also hope this film will be used widely as a discussion starter in communities of color around food consumption, health, wellness, and fitness. I hope that the film will get people who normally don’t talk about their health or their family members’ health to open up and have discussions that are difficult to have with their family members and loved ones. Finally, I hope that the health industry will find this film valuable and that health professionals, nutritionists, hospitals, and even First Lady Michelle Obama will put this film to work!”
Don’t miss it: Monday May 20th, 2013 on witf TV at 10:30 p.m.
It will air again onwitfon Sunday May 26th at 11 p.m.
Tell us: Is soul food a part of your culture and lifestyle? Would you try healthier options of your favorite dishes? What needs to be done to make our community a healthier place to eat?
Read a blog about healthier soul food written by a soul food chef in Lancaster!
If you are a soul food junkie and don’t want to give up the foods you love, here are some healthier versions to try:
Citrus Collards with Raisins Redux
Smoked Paprika Chicken
Corn Pudding and Roasted Shrimp
Succotash Soup
Black-Eyed Pea Fritters
Pulled BBQ pork
Kale with Red Bell Pepper
Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
