theHword.com

Let me start by saying I wish we could have this event more than once a year; at least twice. Of course the organizers, the volunteers and the wonderful cooking team would not agree with me, as it probably takes them a few months to recuperate and then planning for the next time starts and so on…

The Hastings African American Annual Convention (hence HA³C, also known as Black History Banquet) takes place every year, on the last Saturday of February at the Hastings Fairground. This year marked its 13th, and it grows bigger in attendance numbers each time.

It might seem odd for a small town like Hastings to host an event such as this, since diversity may not be one of the towns strong characteristics, but looking back in history shows that a large population of African Americans were brought to the area during WWII to work at the Navy Ammunition Depot. However, most of them left, others came and although they are not a large group they surely deserve a thing of their own. Amen!

The event is usually covered by the local newspaper and TV station as far as the entertainment, speakers and food go but there is another level of togetherness, if you will, that is hard to be described by these everyday media channels. The event is friendly, inviting, welcoming, engaging and heartwarming, and I highly encourage y’all to take part.

The food part is what ties everyone together. The members of the Hastings African American organization line up a buffet unlike any I have ever tasted or witnessed. There is something for everyone, no matter age, race or heritage, but the emphasis is on African American dishes. This year the smoked meat section included chicken, ribs and beef brisket all smoked and roasted outside the steaming kitchen at the fairgrounds. All had a wonderful smoky flavor and tender, better than smoked meats I’ve had in local restaurants. Fried juicy chicken, catfish, white fish and white corn hush puppies were all excellent as well. The sides featured sweet potatoes, three different kinds of collard greens: with black-eyed peas, pork or smoked turkey (at our table the black-eyed peas dish claimed the prize), fried okra, green beans and bacon, scalloped corn, gumbo and rice, mac and cheese (‘cause you have to…), coleslaw, potato and fruit salads, corn bread and dinner rolls. I hope I didn’t forget anything. Desserts included sweet potato pie that was creamy and rich, buttermilk pie (my favorite), bread pudding and a celebration cake.

Sitting down to eat is where the magic of this event actually happens. Not only does everyone get to enjoy the wonderful flavors of the food, it is a great opportunity to connect and visit with people from the area, regardless of their cultural, racial and social background. The food and the atmosphere capture bonding qualities, which make this event powerful and interesting.

After the meal I headed back to the cook area to thank everyone that took part in preparing this lavish dinner and to give my friend, Carolyn Johnson (who is one of the committee members and a great cook) the “thumbs up”. There was a line forming in front of me of others who wanted to do the same thing. When I finally got to her she asked me: “Are you jealous now because I gave everyone a hug but you?” and without leaving me the chance to answer she gave me a warm hug, thanking me for coming and supporting.

I hope the HA³C will always remain as it is: educational, inspirational, tasty and most of all – a great way to welcome others to our “neighborhood”. Hallelujah!

For more information about the history of African Americans in the region go to: http://www.netnebraska.org/extras/nextexit/love/lesson_03.html

About the author: Oren Kariri

I’m Oren Kariri, the new Executive Chef of Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. I have a passion (some would say obsession) for food. I love cooking and baking and everything that goes with it – entertaining, teaching culinary arts and enjoying a good meal. I love shopping for groceries and specialty items and I see food as a part of culture and society. I love to incorporate these added values to my recipes and my culinary endeavors. Join me on this fun ride and maybe you will discover more about our community and food-related possibilities.