Wellbeing Wednesdays: Soul Food – Traditional African American Foods
Date: 2/15/2023 | Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm | Location: MSU Union Venture Kitchen or Virtual – Zoom
Event Description
Due to the tragic events occurring on campus, Michigan State University has suspended all non-emergency events over the next 48 hours.
Join MSU WorkLife Office Consultant, Ebony Lucas & MSU Health4U Dietitian, Abby Richey as they team up to demonstrate how to prepare some of Ebony’s favorite southern foods, ‘crowder peas and greens (Mean Green Supreme) also known as ‘Soul Food’. Soul Food is a term used for African American cuisine, traditionally prepared in the Southern United States. The style of cooking originated during American slavery. African slaves were given only the “leftover” and “undesirable” cuts of meat from their masters (while the white slave owners got the meatiest cuts of ham, roasts, etc.). Africans- Americas at the time (and since) made do with the food choices we had to work with.
During the demonstration, we’ll show you how to create Ebony’s family favorites and enjoy the food together. This event will be provided virtually via Zoom as well as offered in person to the first 15 people who register. Those 15 individuals are eligible to attend the event at the Venture Kitchen in the MSU Union, 2nd Floor next to the ballroom. After you register, look for an email from Abby Richey by 2/13 to confirm your attendance.
Learning Objectives
- Learn new kitchen techniques with recipe ingredients.
- Learn about the history of soul food and its contemporary uses.
- Follow and use today’s recipe for you and your family
About the Speakers: Ebony Lucas, MSW, CTA and Abby Richey, MS, RD
Ebony Lucas is a Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience providing person-centered services to diverse hard-to-reach populations. Ebony received her bachelor’s degree in Africana studies and a master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University.
Ebony has worked with Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières-MSF), an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organization (NGO) of French origin best known for its projects in conflict zones and in countries affected by endemic diseases. In June 2020, the organization became active in the United States to address the pandemic. Most recently, Ebony served as a Wellness Support Officer providing supportive services to the ‘hardest hit’ nursing homes in Michigan. Prior to that she served as the Project Coordinator for the AmeriCorps Domestic Violence program at Wayne State University. The AmeriCorps Domestic Violence Program provided necessary services to victims of intimate partner violence. She has experience studying abroad in several African countries including West and South Africa. Where she studied the religious and secular influences on everyday culture.
Ebony is a married mother of one who enjoys traveling and reading. Ebony and her family are proud Michiganders who enjoy the diverse activities of the University. Ebony is passionate about promoting work-life principles to improve everyday life and the overall employee experience.
Abby Richey serves as the Registered Dietitian for Michigan State’s Health4U program. Her work focuses on helping individuals discover the joy of eating for good health and wellness. She works with clients through individual counseling sessions and on-campus programming.
Abby earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics and fitness from Purdue university in 2003 and a master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Illinois in 2010. Her professional background in nutrition and fitness includes working in areas of healthcare, WIC, food service, sports nutrition, higher education, cooking demonstrations, and counseling.
Abby lives in Lansing with her husband, 3 children, and dog. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and going on new adventures with her family.
