Black Law students cook up soul food

The smell of soul food transformed the Law School into grandma's kitchen yesterday afternoon as the Black Law Students Association celebrated Black History Month with its first-ever "Foods of the African Diaspora" program. The BLSA tempted student palettes with African, Caribbean and African American cuisine, including fried chicken, yams and sweet potato pie. The food fair is one of many events sponsored by the BLSA -- including forums, panel discussions, films and speakers -- designed to encourage the preservation and expansion of African American culture. Dressed in traditional African garb, members of the group dished out servings of colorful combinations of food unique to the culture. Among the specialities were curry chicken, black-eyed peas, collard greens, orange-glaze cake and ginger beer. Members prepared some dishes themselves, while others were catered from a local restaurant. Third-year Law student Natal Simmons organized the event as a chance to incorporate Black History Month into the life of Penn Law students. The fair provided a chance to "expose the Law School body to the culinary aspect of the African American experience," Simmons said. The feast also provided members with an opportunity to share their cultures and histories with one another. More than 50 students used the event to chat with others while enjoying the ethnic foods. Second-year Law student Kanika Williams said she felt students often get caught up in their studies and forget to take a moment to recognize their heritage. "Events like this bring members together to reflect on our cultural history," she said. "They allow us to share our culture with other members." And first-year Law student Alex Rundlet was one of several students wearing a traditional African garment. Dressed in an outfit he brought from Africa when he lived there two years ago, Rundlet emphasized the diversity of foods and cultures presented at the feast. "We are exposing diverse elements to people who don't ordinarily experience them," he said. Borrowing the idea for the food fair from the Latin American Law Students Association -- which has successfully used the format before -- Simmons said she hopes the event will continue in the future.