BSU soul food dinner hailed a success

Filled with the Thanksgiving ambiance of laughter, conversations among friends and the aroma of home cooking, the Forest Greenleaf Dinning Room was transformed by the Black Student Union's Annual Soul Food Dinner Thursday night. Members and non-members alike attended the event, drawing a large crowd even before the doors were opened.\nBy the end of the night, the BSU raised about $270 to be donated to the United African Alliance Community Center in Tanzania. BSU also collected canned goods for a reduced price, which were donated to Bloomington's Community Kitchen.\nWhile hip-hop music played in the background, students seated themselves in the dinning room to eat food reminiscent of home.\n"I haven't had home cooking since September, and some home cooking was definitely needed," said freshman Shawon McClung.\nOther than the half-hour delay before opening the doors, which BSU President Courtney Williams said was a result of a slight coordination problem in picking up the meat on time, Williams considered the event a success.\n"We met all our goals and people are satisfied," she said.\nIn addition to raising money for their charity, the BSU wanted to unite the black student organizations on campus. Several black greek houses and the African Student Association also participated in the event by helping serve the dinner. In fact, Williams said the behind-the-scenes cooking was a highlight of the event for her because of the fellowship between friends within the organizations.\nThe event, open to the public, even attracted some novices to soul-food cooking, including sophomore Nathan Albrecht. Having never tried authentic soul food before, Albrecht said he decided to go with a BSU member who told him about the dinner. Although he did not find the food much different from food he has had at home, he said he enjoyed it.\nThe menu comprised greens, candied yams, cranberry sauce, rolls, chicken, turkey, ham, green beans, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, gravy, cake and beverages.\nFew students had anything to complain about in reference to the food. Williams said the macaroni and cheese recipe had some problems, but they intend to use a different recipe next year. Also, a few students mentioned the lack of ribs and hot sauce, two popular soul food items.\n"You've got to have ribs and hot sauce," said freshman T.J. Wright. "Put hot sauce on anything, and it tastes good."\nNo one had any problem saying they would attend the event again.\n"I'm definitely coming back (next year) and inviting friends," McClung said with a smile.