Thanksgiving in the Black Community: A Feast of Love, Legacy, and Fellowship

By: Morgan Lewis

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday in the Black community; it’s a tradition steeped in love, culture, and connection. From the very beginning, Black families have infused Thanksgiving with unique traditions, blending mainstream customs with cultural significance. It’s a day for food, family, and fellowship—a celebration of the bonds that hold us together and the legacies we pass down.

For my family, Thanksgiving has always been bigger than Christmas. It’s the one time of year when everyone shows up, the house is full of life, and we’re reminded of what truly matters. Growing up in a household with just my mom and me, Thanksgiving is our opportunity to host, to fill the house with laughter and love, and to share our culture through food. It’s not just about eating; it’s about sharing a part of who we are.

Me and my mom.

In the Black community, food is more than sustenance—it’s a form of storytelling. Thanksgiving is a time when recipes passed down for generations take center stage. My mom’s cooking is the cornerstone of our celebration, with dishes like candied yams, collard greens, mac and cheese, and her famous sweet potato pie. These aren’t just meals; they’re memories on a plate.

The process of cooking is just as meaningful as the meal itself. My mom always says, “Cooking is love made visible,” and she’s right. Thanksgiving preparations in our house start days in advance, with pots bubbling on the stove and the kitchen filling with the smell of spices and sweet desserts. Watching her work, I see the care she puts into every dish. For her, it’s not just about feeding people; it’s about ensuring everyone feels seen, loved, and cared for.

My mom’s famous sweet potato pies

And the meal isn’t complete without the gathering. Everyone pulls up a chair, whether they come from five minutes away or five hours away. It’s the moments around the table—catching up, reminiscing, and laughing over shared stories—that make Thanksgiving unforgettable. It’s where we pass down family history, where bonds are strengthened, and where we remember that family is everything.

For Black families, Thanksgiving traditions are as diverse as the community itself, but they share a common thread: connection. In my family, we don’t just eat; we play games, dance, and sometimes even have impromptu karaoke sessions. After dinner, the living room becomes the hub of activity. It’s where the competitive rounds of Uno or Spades happen, and where you hear the sounds of joy and good-natured banter.

My brother-in-law taking a picture of my sister and brother.

These traditions are more than just fun; they’re a way of preserving our culture. They remind us that Thanksgiving isn’t about the material things—it’s about the people we share it with. It’s a time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and to cherish the moments that make life beautiful.

To get a broader view of what Thanksgiving means to Black families, I conducted a poll on Instagram. Here’s what people said:

1. What’s the most important part of Thanksgiving?

- 47%: Family fellowship

- 30%: The food

- 15%: Traditions and games

- 8%: Other

2. Which dish is the star of your Thanksgiving table?

- 35%: Mac & cheese

- 25%: Sweet potato pie

- 20%: Collard greens

- 20%: Turkey

3. Do you host Thanksgiving or travel?

- 60%: Host

- 40%: Travel

These results highlight the universal themes of family and food but also show the unique ways Black families make Thanksgiving their own.

Thanksgiving from the year 2022

Thanksgiving in the Black community is more than a holiday; it’s a celebration of culture, history, and love. For my family, it’s a time when our house feels full—not just with food, but with joy, connection, and gratitude. It’s a reminder of the power of tradition and the importance of sharing who we are with the people we love.

As I watch my mom cook each year, I’m reminded that these moments are about more than the meal. They’re about creating memories, strengthening bonds, and passing down a legacy of love. Thanksgiving is a feast for the soul, and in the Black community, it’s a celebration that nourishes us in every way.

Author Bio:

Morgan Lewis is a visual storyteller and multiplatform production student at Morgan State University. She explores themes of culture, family, and identity through writing, photography, and video. Morgan’s work often highlights the beauty of everyday Black experiences, showcasing the love and traditions that define her community.