Origins Of ‘Soul Food’ Traced In Aetna's 1997 African American History Calendar
HARTFORD, Conn., December 2, 1996 — Many of the cooking
techniques that make soul food so delicious also
contribute to a higher incidence of major diseases and
shorter life spans among African Americans.
As a result, many African Americans today are modernizing
old family recipes for healthier choices, while retaining
the best qualities of traditional soul food. Aetna’s (NYSE: ΑET)
1997 Calendar of African American History traces the
origins of American soul food, from its beginnings in
slavery, to today’s efforts to improve health
through improved nutrition.
Among those sharing the spotlight in the 1997 calendar
are:
Glory Foods, Inc. owner William
William’s who produces a line of 22
Southern-style foods.
The African American graduates of
the Culinary Institute of America, the
nation’s foremost school of the culinary
arts.
A program to help senior citizens
control hypertension through diet.
Danella Carter, a fiction writer
who recently published a collection of 300
heart-healthy recipes from the "new
soul" kitchen.
Leah Chase who has modified some
of the recipes served at the famous Dooky Chase
restaurant in New Orleans.
The National Council of Negro
Women and its focus on family nutrition and
improved family medical histories through
improved nutrition.
The Gullah people of coastal
Carolina and Georgia who have maintained African
traditions more than any other culture in the
country.
Dr. Yvonne Bronner, a breast
feeding expert who teaches and promotes the
importance of breast feeding in providing infants
with a healthy start.
The Saturday Science Academy at
the King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles which
provides a support program for children
interested in the medical profession; proper
nutrition is taught as an important part of
health maintenance and disease prevention.
Barbara Dixon, R.D., L.D.N., a
broadcast journalist who reaches the masses with
messages on nutrition.
Dr. Shiriki K. Kumanyika of the
University of Illinois who studies obesity in
African American women and is developing
effective programs to combat the problem.
Joseph M. Stewart of the Kellogg
Company, a school lunch expert who uses the
resources of his company to promote school
nutrition in the U.S. and South Africa.
Since first published in 1982,
Aetna’s Calendar of African American History has
recognized the outstanding contributions of leaders in
fields such as business, politics, medicine, athletics
and the theater. Offered as a public service, the
calendar is distributed to schools across the country as
well as to libraries, businesses and individual homes.
Calendars are available for $3 to cover postage and
handling.
Send a check or money order payable to Aetna to:
Aetna Calendar
Corporate Communications, RE6B
151 Farmington Ave.
Hartford, CT 06156
Or phone: (860) 273-2843
For more information about Aetna Inc., please visit the company's website at
www.aetna.com.
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