MY PEN IS MIGHTY

Top 10 Blackest Food Scenes on the Big Screen

In Black cinema, food sometimes serves as a metaphor for triumphs, empowerment and self-awareness.

Audarshia Townsend
ZORA
Published in
7 min readFeb 24, 2022

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A scene from Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Netflix.

In Black cinema, food sometimes is a fascinating supporting character. For example, it’s used to connect generations through traditional dishes and historic ingredients like okra and black eyed peas. It’s also used as a self-care mechanism when there’s trauma such as the loss of a loved one. It can also be used to take back one’s power in the most unexpected ways, particularly when racial discrimination is involved.

Recently, I wrote a similar piece focusing on some of the Blackest food moments ever televised. That was a fun, humorous take featuring classic and modern shows. This time around, I’m highlighting the top 10 films where food serves as a metaphor for triumphs, empowerment and self-awareness.

10. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

You tell a Black woman she cannot do something enough times, and she will make sure she proves you wrong. This animated production has talented actress/singer Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, a young woman who sets sights on opening her own restaurant in 1920s New Orleans. She has as many detractors as fans of her prized gumbo and beignets, yet she…

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Audarshia Townsend
ZORA
Writer for

Audarshia Townsend is a Chicago-based journalist who writes about how food & beverages impact the culture and industry. Email: Audarshia@townsendmediamagic.com