You are invited to join us for a "Taste of Honey" lunch celebration following our Sunday Funday combined worship service at 10:30am on Sunday, February 22.

We celebrate Black History month with a “Taste of Honey.” Much of the history of mankind is a history of eating and taste. Yet at the same time eating and food preparation have always been a cultural manifestation. We want you to take a closer look at the history of taste.

African American food is American food. Years of enslavement and servitude, followed by a bustling invention and reclamation of soul food and Southern cooking, build on African cooking traditions date back centuries. Black Americans haven’t just contributed to American food, they are central to it. African immigrants across the globe have brought their own traditions with them.

Food is a universal love language, and in the Black community, this love runs deep. It comes from a desire to nourish others, spend time together, maintain traditions, and stay within their means. African American food, known as “Soul Food,” is closely related to the cuisines of both Africa and the American South.

The 2026 celebration of Black History Month will frame the history of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot. “ Considered by Erik Routley to be one of the "archetypal" African American spirituals, "Swing Low" welcomes death as the occasion "to carry me home" to glory. The text incorporates the imagery of “Jordan” and "chariot" from the Old Testament narratives of Elijah's ascent into heaven (2 Kings 2). In spite of the "ups" and "downs" of earthly life (st. 3), it is comforting for Christians to know with certainty that their final destination is the glory of a new heaven and earth."

Questions? Reach out to Rosa Brinkman at brinkmanr3@udayton.edu.