With southern origins dating back to the time of American slavery, soul food remains a modern-day staple of African American cuisine across the country. For the fourth year running, The University of New Mexico’s African American Student Services (AASS) will conclude Black History Month with their Soul Food program, on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. in the AASS Lounge.

This year’s event includes two special guest speakers, local proprietor Mr. Joe Powdrell and his son, who will present on the generational history of soul food in New Mexico. The event will feature catered food from Powdrell's BBQ, a restaurant with deep family roots in Albuquerque that appears on the National Historic Register.

“Soul food connects all of us within the African Diaspora through the use of staple ingredients,” says Brandi Stone, Interim Director of AASS. “It’s the centerpiece to our community and how we fellowship at both religious and social events. We choose to close Black History Month with this event because it nourishes our mind, body, and soul through conversation (and food consumption) with our students and community as we reflect on the month.”

The AASS Soul Food program is free and open to the public. Please contact African American Student Services at 505.277.5654 or afro@unm.edu for more information.