On any given Sunday you will find me with my family attending the 11am service at our church then immediately convening to someone’s home for what is arguably the best meal of the week. Normally we’ll go to my parents but sometimes I will host and oftentimes my 80 something year old grandparents. After the blessing has been made platters of steaming hot food is passed around from person to person while we all sit back for just a few brief hours and forget about the work deadlines, the emails, that homework. It’s an opportunity to commune in a way that we normally don’t get to do any other day of the week and that’s just one of the many reasons why Sunday Dinner is so important to me and a small reason why it is so significant in the African-American community.
By now you probably know that I’m working on a book project tentatively titled “The Art of the Sunday Dinner in the African-American home”. Although it will be some time before you can pick up a copy at your local independent book store in the interim I have been immersing myself in all things Sunday Dinner and talking the project up to anyone and everyone who will listen. I recently begun writing for a phenomenal new regional publication called SALT and the publisher loved my Sunday Dinner book idea so much he decided to create a feature for the July issue of the magazine featuring my family and our Sunday Dinner Tradition. The day of the photo shoot couldn’t have been more perfect and the sweet spirit that permeated the air still hasn’t worn off. When you look at the photos in the article you are instantly moved by the love that is captured, the true sense of togetherness and family. One look at this story and you will be blessed. So today I’m sharing a few photos from that shoot, but to see it all you’ll have to download a copy of the magazine here…
To keep up with my Sunday Dinner adventures which will hopefully tide you over until the book is released be sure to check out my tumblr “The Art of the Sunday Dinner”.
Heather Watkins Jones and Family
~Heather Watkins Jones
Photo Credit: David Todd McCarty – SALT Magazine
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I love this! I remember growing up with the Sunday dinner tradition with my family and the memories are priceless. Excited for the release of your book!!
Sweet, Sweet memories. I remember my grandmother starting on Saturday night and finishing early Sunday morning before church. I would often sneek a piece of fried chicken before we leave for Sunday school. Needless to say, she caught me several times…I will not state what happened. Grandfather, always came to the rescue for me. Your book is going to be so awesome! A well needed tradition reminder in today’s world! Congrats…..this is just the beginning!!
This brings back memories of my childhood everybody are together at all meals. Great article.