Let’s get ready to Gumbo

First, Let me just start by saying gumbo is one of the best things I have ever eaten. There is so much history behind it’s origin and opinions amongst African Americans on how it should be made is hilarious and very serious. First of all, If there is no okra in my gumbo most times i won’t even eat it.

I learned to make gumbo at an early age from my uncle who was an amazing cook. I would get a stool and stand next to this huge pot and watch him work his magic. He let them crab stew in that stock with the sausage and all the veggies. Then one by one, he would add the chicken and shrimp.

During black history month, yes I think of all of the greats who paved the way for us, but I also think about my great grandparents, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, and even my parents. Throughout history we have been broken, bruised, and striped of our humanity. The one thing that can never be taken away from us is our stories. Our great grandparents told our grandparents about how it was back in their day and they passed those memories along with recipes down to us. My fondest memories of my great grandma Hattie were always in the kitchen. That’s where I learned about my family history and our traditions. There’s always a reason why granny cooks those greens the way she does. Or why that uncle chooses to put okra in the gumbo. February is the month to shine the light on our Black history, but as an African American everyday should be some kind of Black History.