African American Culinary Heritage

Mobile, Alabama, has an obesity rate of 41.3%, surpassing the state average and ranking it among the most obese cities in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 80% of chronic conditions are linked to factors such as poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol use. Given that nearly 50% of Mobile's population identifies as non-Hispanic Black, it is essential to highlight African heritage this month to help reduce health disparities in the area. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) significantly impacts the Black community in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, based on data from 2015 to 2018, 60.1% of non-Hispanic Black males and 58.8% of non-Hispanic Black females aged 20 and older had CVD. In 2019, CVD caused the deaths of 57,761 non-Hispanic Black males and 54,544 non-Hispanic Black females.

Furthermore, the prevalence of high blood pressure in Black Americans is among the highest in the world, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure often develops earlier in life and is more severe in Black individuals compared to white individuals. Addressing these disparities requires a collaborative approach, including education and community engagement. To contribute to this effort, a two-hour class will be conducted by FFL Instructor Angelia Dickinson, focusing on the importance of African heritage and its role in reducing health disparities, particularly concerning heart disease within the Black community.