Celebration of Soul Food

The City of Hattiesburg presents a “Celebration of Soul Food,” a community potluck event created to celebrate Black History Month through food, fellowship and entertainment. Guests are encouraged to bring their best soul food dishes for sharing, participate in a friendly food competition, listen to entertainment and hear from Dr. Brinda Willis discuss “Why We Call It Soul Food” through a partnership with the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County and the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018
6 p.m.
Historic Train Depot

Potluck Dinner: Bring a Dish

Every year, we have such a great variety of food thanks to the many talented cooks in our community! If you are stumped on which covered dish to bring, feel free to pick one from the list or research some vegan or healthy options to present!

  • Veggies: Okra, Squash, Cole Slaw, Cabbage,String Beans, Candied Yams, Butter Beans, Green Beans, Green Peas, Collard Greens, Rutabagas
  • Starches: Potatoes, Potato Salad, Mac & Cheese, Rice and Gravy, Red Beans and Rice, Dressing, Grits, Dirty Rice
  • Meat: Chicken, Fried Chicken, Pork, Smothered Pork Chops, Beef,Barbequed Beef Short Ribs, Pig Feet, Chitlins, Fish, Fried Catfish, Fried Catfish Filets, Bake Catfish Filets, Seafood Gumbo, Ham, Turkey, Southern Spare Ribs, Short Ribs in Gravy Bread:
  • Biscuits, Cornbread, Crackling Bread,Skillet Cornbread, Flapjacks, Hoe Cakes
  • Desserts: Pound or Jelly Cake, Bread or Rice Pudding, Peach, Pear, Apple or Blackberry Cobbler, Potato Pie, Egg Custard, Corn Pudding, Sweet Potato Pie
  • Drinks: Lemonade, Sweet Tea, Kool Aid, water

Why We Call It Soul Food, Dr. Brinda Willis

At 6:45 p.m., we’ll hear from Dr. Brinda Willis discuss “Why We Call It Soul Food.” Thanks to a partnership with the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County and the Mississippi Humanities Council, she’ll tell us the story of why southerners, especially African American southerners, call the foods we eat “soul food.” Dr. Willis will discuss the emotional and physical aspects of soul food as it relates to our culture and history. She will also address the bonds attached to the growing, nurturing and preparation of these foods as it relates to our culture and way of life in the South.

This Program was made possible by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Best Soul Food Dish Competition

New this year is a food competition! If you feel like you have what it takes to claim the top title for your mac & cheese, collard greens or cornbread – sign up to compete! There’s no cost associated, but registering will help us prepare documents for voting! If you choose to participate, please be prepared to bring enough for at least 100 samples.

Fill out the form below to register: