Cookouts are more than a meal; they’re a cultural experience | Rooted in Progress

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Happy Fourth of July! Grab your card games and bring your appetite – it’s time to pull up to the cookout.

In this week’s episode of ‘Rooted in Progress,’ host Deanne King and Terrance Middlebrooks discuss the history and origin of what’s known in the Black community as the cookout.

This is a time where we fellowship over food, libations and games. And if you don’t know how to play cards, you ought to find yourself a seat at the kids’ table.

Tampa native Ashley Morrow from Black Tampa Historians gives us the breakdown on how our barbecues began back in slavery and has evolved to the soul food celebrations we have today. She also shares the traditions of going over to her grandmother’s house to partake in holiday gatherings.

Chef Ken James suggests the best dishes you should lay out on the table — even giving tips on seasonings and how to make healthier alternatives with the same powerful taste.

There is no cookout without a game. Our “Rooted in Progress” hosts play rounds of ‘Black Card Revoked’ and ‘Black Tampa Bay’ with our week’s guests. What is the first line of ‘Tootsie Roll”? by 69 Boyz. You possibly could be saying the lyrics wrong.

Find out the answer on this week’s episode of “Rooted In Progress,” Thursday at 11a.m.

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