Tag: Health
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Laverte Mathis and Tyrone Goodwyn
Washington, D.C. native Laverte Mathis and longtime resident Tyrone Goodwyn were interviewed together at a site closely tied to their shared sense of home and history. Both men reflected on their Southern roots—Mathis’s family from Georgia and Goodwyn’s from North Carolina and Tidewater, Virginia—and the deep culinary traditions that have shaped their lives. Mathis spoke Read more
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Stamford “Fred” Hoston
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Stamford “Fred” Hoston is a lifelong resident of the city with deep family roots in the DMV area. Fred was interviewed at Saints Paradise Church, where he shared stories from his upbringing in a large, religious family of eight children. His parents, originally from West Virginia, worked as a Read more
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Robert Harris
“Take the wrinkle out your belly. I don’t eat too much meat so I am strong at 80.” How does food connect you with your community? “Im a soul man. When I grew up, I had two pieces of bacon, one egg and grits. sometimes rice. Some mornings- one piece of sausage, one egg. In Read more
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Group Interview: Harold Little, Joyce Robinson-Paul, and Mac-Arthur Mills
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Joyce Robinson-Paul, Harold Little, and Mac-Arthur Mills share deep roots in the city’s Black communities, including Shaw, Takoma, and Foggy Bottom. The three were interviewed at a church central to their lives, where annual gospel concerts, soul food, and fellowship continue to bring people together. Joyce, a native Washingtonian, Read more
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Roland Proctor
Roland Proctor was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Aside from his time serving in Vietnam, he has lived in the area his entire life. His mother was originally from New York City, and his father from PG County. Roland shared reflections on how food connects people in D.C., especially Read more
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Sunithi Selvaraj
Sunithi Selvaraj, affectionately known as Sue, is a registered dietitian and nutritionist who began working with Model Cities in April 2023. Originally a consultant, she quickly fell in love with the vibrant senior community and transitioned into a full-time role as their nutrition educator. Sue leads weekly programs that include cooking demonstrations—often taught by the Read more
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Sheila Jones
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Sheila Louis Jones is a lifelong resident whose family moved from Virginia nearly 70 years ago when her father was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base. Sheila spoke about growing up in Capitol Hill and later in public housing, where she said she learned a lot and had fun Read more
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Juanita Witherspoon
Juanita Witherspoon was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where she still lives, worships, and raised her family. A longtime member of the church connected to Saints Paradise Cafeteria, she’s been attending for over 58 years and regularly eats there with her husband after services. Juanita values flavor and consistency and sticks to places she Read more
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Group interview: Godwin Bell, Sheila Gibbs, and Stanley Lemon
This group conversation, led by Anita Gonzalez, explores the role of food in Black cultural resilience, healing, and community-building. Participants reflect on their personal food journeys, including Stanley Lemon, who moved from South Carolina and found comfort and community through soul food in Washington, D.C. He shares how changing his diet and biking helped him Read more
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Nelson Johnson
“All holidays are celebrated with food. It’s important who is making the mac n cheese.” How do you use food for healing? “I’m looking for healthy food, not fast food. When I was young I ate fast food. But now that I am wise, I know that food is life. I like natural, real food. Read more
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Chrischeryl McDaniel
“Taking food to someone when their healing. Help someone overcome a sickness.” What is one special family food tradition, and can you tell us a story about it? Why is it important to your family? “Thanksgiving – for the last 25 years, we hosted thanksgiving for both sides of the family. We take a photo Read more
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Regina Williams
“Mac n Cheese: noodles, flour, eggs, butter, cheese.” How do you use food for healing? “You need nourishment when you are weak. Stress eating is not good. I eat salads, tuna instead of greasy/fried foods. Fruits and veggies, water.” Read more
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Angela Anderson
“The kitchen is a safe place for my family. The kitchen is the place where I provide nourishment, healing, counseling, help with homework, and the central hub or meeting place for our family.” How do you use food for healing? “I use food for by ensuring it’s nutritious. I cook 5 sometimes 6 times a Read more
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Bonita Evans
“Community involvement by working at the restaurant. Seeing and meeting lots of people.” How do you use food for healing? “Nutrition, physical, emotional, mental healing. Sharing, sitting together, taking food to someone.” Read more
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Pamela Pugh
“Healthy is very important in my family. I don’t like working out so my eating habits are important. I stay away from fats, sugars. I love foods from other cultures. Snacking healthy.” What is one special family food tradition, and can you tell us a story about it? Why is it important to your family? Read more