In many Southern communities, Watch Night Services will take place in many churches. It’s a tradition that goes back to 1862, when enslaved Africans in South Carolina prayed and stayed awake to enjoy their first day of freedom – January 1, 1863 or Freedom’s Eve – in a divided United States. Today, some churches will hold services into the New Year while others will begin and end a service early, so that members can get home to entertain or be entertained.
Black Heritage Travels: What to do in Mandeville, Louisiana
Just across the lake from New Orleans, Mandeville, Louisiana is a small city in the state’s St. Tammany Parish. With such close proximity to JazzLand, it’s not uncommon for this area and cities like it
How to Create a Galentine’s Day Soiree Cocktail
Whether looking forward to an intimate evening in for two or planning a Galantine’s Day soiree, these cocktails provide a personal touch that can elevate any Valentine’s Day occasion. Some floral and others aphrodisiac-inspired, the indulgent cocktails below
5 Black-Owned Home Organizing Products
A word for 2022 for all Black Southern Belles and Black Southern Beaus will be organization. Organization is important in all aspects of our life and can be applied everywhere and anywhere. Whether it’s organizing
Tips for Design Inspired by Nature from Winston-Salem Designer
Today we are featuring a beautiful guest post from designer Mona King, founder of Mona King + Associates. This Winston-Salem, NC based designer loves all things design and nature. She is here to give youA�Tips
6 Home Organizers Give Tips for Organizing Your Closet
Going into the New Year always encourages us to set goals to have a successful year. We may not be aware of where to start, but with a goal in mind there are individuals that
7 Things Food Entrepreneurs Can Learn from the Life of Leah Chase
The late Leah Chase was a force to be reckoned with in business and life. But it was her business savvy that transitioned the little family run restaurant owned by her late husband’s parents into one of
BSB Travel: Top Ten Georgia State Parks for Fall Color
Looking for somewhere to add to your fall travel list? We have got you covered and today, Georgia is on our mind. If you are looking for the ultimate fall trip, explore these Top Ten Georgia
New Year’s Eve Travel: Historic Black Churches to Visit for Watch Night Celebrations
Looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve? Why not take a trip and celebrate a New Year’s Eve Watch Night at a Historic Black Church. Watch Night, also called Freedom’s Eve, Christian religious
Healthy Black-Eyed Pea Appetizers for New Year’s Eve
When bringing in the New Year, a few Southern traditions and superstitions come to mind! My mom always made sure that she did not wash on New Year’s Day because she feared that she might
“Get on the Good Foot” in Augusta, GA. – Celebration of James Brown’s Birthday (May 3rd)
This year in celebration of soul icon, James Brown, the historic Miller Theater (the second largest theater behind Atlanta’s Fox Theatre) will be hosting a FREE James Brown Birthday Bash at the theater on Friday,
Recap: 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards Yields More Firsts for African Americans
They are called the “Oscars” of the culinary industry, and this year’s series of James Beard Foundation Awards programming were filled with pageantry and glamour, including a red carpet event. Unlike last year, there were
Lowcountry Juneteenth: Inspiration for How to Celebrate Juneteenth at Home
One of my favorite holidays to celebrate is Juneteenth. This year I decided to host a Lowcountry Juneteenth in my home with a few of my favorite Juneteeth foods and Lowcountry style. If you are
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Southern Bred, Soul Infused
Our Food Historian Robin Caldwell describes,
Adhering to the many food traditions and customs is an artful act in our homes. It’s as important not to eat some foods on New Year’s Eve as what to eat that day. If you eat fowl or anything that can fly, your good luck can fly away before the New Year. Also, you don’t want to eat anything that can move fast backwards like lobster, crab and shrimp, unless of course you want your good fortune to be left behind. But you can eat fish on New Year’s Eve. There is the belief that since black-eyed peas swell, eating them will cause your bank account to swell in the New Year. Greens such as collards represent dollars and when served with cornbread even more luck will follow. Rice is also considered a good luck food and Hoppin’ John is a favored tradition in the lowcountry.
