Re-Imagining Thanksgiving:
Many Americans holed up at home, much of this year, put on extra pounds as a result of the current coronavirus; on average, a 15-pound weight gain. Add to that, anticipated holiday overeating, commencing this week through the end of December, we’re looking at deepening chronic health statistics among African Americans. How much is too much?
Melba Wilson and Tren’ness Woods-Black sat for a virtual conversation with C. Virginia Fields, President and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on Health (Black Health), for their popular television broadcast, Health Action TV. The restaurateurs engaged in lively discourse on ways to re-imagine Thanksgiving traditions and all the gravy that comes with.
Melba Wilson was “born, bred and buttered in Harlem.” Today, she proudly represents her New York neighborhood as one of the most successful African-American women in the restaurant and catering businesses. She is the first female and first person of color to be elected as President of The NYC Hospitality Alliance. Her style, poise and love of entertaining have made Melba’s Restaurant, a New York landmark.
Tren’ness Woods-Black is the granddaughter of the Soul Food icon, Sylvia Woods, founder of Sylvia’s Restaurant and Food Products where she serves as the Vice President of Communications and Strategic Partnerships. Woods-Black is a sought-after advisor, personality and speaker in the culinary, lifestyle, philanthropic and business corridors.
A snapshot of this informative discussion draws attention to several focal points:
Watch “Re-Imagining Thanksgiving” FULL episode below:
Health Action TV | Re-Imagining Thanksgiving
Keeping with the holiday season, the organization invites persons to share recipe makeovers with a health-conscious focus. Participants can share their stories, no more than 200 words, at the following email address, info@nblch.org.
Politically speaking, also taking place this week, President-elect Joseph Biden will roll out several names of his White House Cabinet posts. At the intersection of hopes for a healthy holiday season in the midst of a heightened global pandemic, the question begs, “What’s in your kitchen cabinet?” As the incoming White House administration re-imagines health policies that will affect outcomes in Black, Latinx and communities of color, choices made on Capitol Hill to Common-ville loom large.
Black Health (www.nblch.org) is committed to a concentrated effort to educate and illuminate healthcare needs of the Black community. Black Health has a vested interest in persons affected by any chronic health diagnosis including: Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health and Sickle Cell.
Cheers and best wishes for a healthy holiday season, now and into the future, as we re-imagine new ways to enjoy traditional food favorites.
C. Virginia Fields, President and CEO
National Black Leadership Commission on Health, Incorporated
