4th Annual Soul Food Dinner

For food with haste, head to McDonald’s. For food with heart, the place to be is Hoffman Hall this Saturday, Feb. 21 for the fourth annual Soul Food Dinner, presented by Residence Life. 

As a celebration of Black History Month, Dementro “Debo” Powell organizes this annual Soul Food feast, and promises a meal you will not forget.

“When we say the word ‘Soul Food’ it simply means that it comes from the heart” Powell said, “It’s like this big exhibit … a display for people to come and eat, and it brings in family.”

The food will be a mix between old staples and new concoctions, catering to a Portland lifestyle. There will be fried chicken, collard greens and tofu ribs, so vegetarians can experience the Southern taste as well.

“To tell you the truth I didn’t know what a vegan was till I got here” Powell said, “That was something I had to adapt to.”

Originally titled the “Slap Your Mama” Soul Food Dinner, the name was changed early on, due to the negative connotations some students derived. Powell provides his explanation, defending the political correctness of the phrase.

“This food is so good, that you’re willing to go do that to someone you hold so sacred in your mind, to slap your mama for a piece of this food,” Powell said.

The dinner will also include a speech from the Honorable Adrienne Nelson, the second African-American woman to become a judge in the state of Oregon, as well as vocal performances from students Talisha Berry, Ebony Smith and Amirah Karim. There will also be displays from a local African-American artist, who has participated since the conception of the event.

The Soul Food Dinner is open to all, and takes place this Saturday, Feb. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Hoffman Hall.