North America: The Presidential Turkey Pardon

President Obama Pardons a Lucky Turkey Photo © Alex Wong/Getty Images

The presidential pardoning of one lucky turkey is a fairly modern practice.  In 1989, George H.W. Bush became the first president to pardon a turkey. Before then, turkeys were presented to the president and consumed by the president.

The concept of a turkey pardoning was first mentioned by president Regan as a joke, but H.W. Bush made it all possible with the following words: “This fine Tom turkey, has been granted a presidential pardon as of right now.”

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African American: Something Old, Something New- Holiday Ideas

Whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, many African Americans look forward to certain foods on the table.  Like most cultures, the holiday favorites consist of very fattening foods.  However, a growing number of African American are finding ways to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.  Furthermore, there are other factors changing expectations for holiday cuisine.  Many Blacks have cross cultural homes.  Over the years, African Americans have begun to have deeper relationships  (marriage, roommates, or friends) with Caucasians, Latinos, Africans, Muslims and West Indians.  Thus the rich Southern
American traditions are slowly becoming  fused with other influences.  More and more people love the idea of Jerk Turkey.  The Caribbean jerk marinade seems logical to contribute great flavor to permeate the turkey.  A great deal of African Americans have moved away from pork, so out goes the ham hock and in goes the smoked turkey parts into the collard greens.  Honestly, either adds great flavor, especially smoked turkey butt.

Despite the recession, many African American income brackets changed since the 1960′s and the choices of food available opened up.  Instead of collards greens, roasted asparagus or swiss chard (tip-sautee in hot chili oil) are viable healthy options.   Personally, I love the idea of Swiss chard with the red & green coloring adding to the table spread.   Furthermore, a growing number of African Americans are vegetarian or vegan(see vegan nut roast recipe).  Moving on to cranberries, believe it or not cranberries do not come in the shape of a can mold. Try cooking the whole fresh cranberries or look for the whole berres in a can.  If you are partial to the can mold, no one is judging.  I am just partial to fresh ingredients.   As we strive to cut some of the calories during the holidays, it is becoming more common to see green salads(See Grilled Kale Salad Recipe) instead of iceberg lettuce salads finding their way to table.

Whatever, we do don’t change the cornbread,  mac & cheese,  or red velvet cake.   Mainstream America loves a good pumpkin pie but bring me the sweet potato pie. We have to draw the line somewhere.

Written by Crystal Johnson-MCCN Editor

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day Stamp USDOL

In North America and Canada, the first Monday in September is Labor Day. The holiday serves as a celebration of workers and commemorates their respective economic and social achievements.

Labor (Labour) Day in Canada has its origins in an 1872 demonstration held by the Toronto Trades Assembly (TTA).  Serving as Canada’s first significant campaign for worker’s rights, the demonstration was created to garner the release of 24 leaders of the Toronto Typographical Union (TTU). During this time, trade unions were illegal and the TTU leaders were imprisoned for striking to campaign for a nine-hour working day.

The TTA held large parades and picnics and received a large public following.  The parades became so empowering that Canadian Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald repealed “anti-union” laws and in June of 1874 parliament passed the Trade Unions Act. Contemporary Canadian celebrations of Labor Day consist of picnics, fireworks, trips, and parades.

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