In the spirit of our dear Brotha' Frederick Douglass' ponderance of the meaning of The 4th of July to the Negro, I ask, What to the Black American is the meaning of Thanksgiving?
Certainly, Thanksgiving is not a day recanting any version of the fantastic tales taught to us in grammar school about tall ships, "nice" pilgrims, and a happy feast. Three bean casseroles and pumpkin pies typically do not grace our tables.
Instead, Thanksgiving, as other American holidays, represents a source of moral conflict for our community. It further demonstates gross distinctions or disparities of experience, judgment, and interpretation between our community and that of the dominant community. Our Brotha' Kendrick summed it up in four words...
Given our history of being kidnapped, enslaved, raped, and tortured, in the same country by the same people, Black Americans cannot, in good conscience, eat, be merry, and ignore the kidnapping, enslavement, and other acts of sheer torture, leading to the ultimate erasure of another people, melanated like us. We share too much of the Native American's American experience, and in some cases their blood, for us to be indifferent or insensitive to harms done to them. They are our tribe. They are our Brothers...
So, what to the Black American does Thanksgiving mean? Our conflict with celebration of this day is so intense that even how we reference it varies. Of course, most people still call it Thanksgiving. Others, however, call it "Thanks Giving Day", "Giving Thanks Day", "Misgiving Day" or some variation thereof. Ultimately, we struggle with giving any impression that we share the commonly held disingenuous interpretation of the day.
Thanksgiving is seen as an annual time of gathering of reflection and perspective for Black families. Traditionally, we travel from near and far to get together to enjoy good food, good company, and good vibrations as we create new memories. Most families go all out with the meal on this day. Be forewarned that if you can't "put your foot in it", it is best that you don't cook on this day. No one can save you from the wrath. Bring beverages or paper products, plan to join the clean up crew, enjoy the day, just don't cook! Hone your skills at the hem of Big Mama's apron for next year.
The smorgasbord of food is insane! Mr. Turkey still holds the main stage but he has company. Rarely, is there only one meat. Mr. Ham has a place atop many tables. Collard greens, cabbage, candied yams, mac with several cheeses, dressing, not stuffing, and cornbread are just a few of the main staples. The pie of choice is not pumpkin or even apple. The day is not complete without a sweet potato pie. Diet and gym be damned! Most folks eat themselves into a state of pure coma, a condition we affectionately call, "itus". Goodnight...
As is probably common in most households, someone "blesses the food and the hands that prepared it", but also, before we eat, we tend to go around the table soliciting words of thanks and expressions of gratitude from each person for something, someone, or some event in their life during the past year. It is a day of refelection steeped in handed down tradition.
A mixture of music and football competing with lively conversations is the soundtrack of the day. Carry out plates are a given. Some folks bring their take away containers. The myth is that the food tastes even better the next day.
The fourth Thursday of November in the Black community is a day of family, friends, good times, new memories, and distraction from all else that might be amiss in the world.
To the Black American, Thanksgiving means a day of love, reflection, gratitude, and appreciation.
Miss Higgi Says, Happy Giving Thanks Day Everyone!
