Not just dessert: how sweet potato pie became a tool of Black American resistance

David Benton expresses that sweet potato pie has a richer, more authentic homemade taste compared to pumpkin pie, stating, 'you could never find them in the store so people must have made those.' This highlights the personal connection many have with sweet potato pie, especially in his family.

Bobby Smith II’s book, 'Food Power Politics,' discusses how food was weaponized in the struggle for civil rights. He emphasizes Georgia Gilmore’s role, noting that 'her sweet potato pie became intrinsic to fundraising efforts essential for the Montgomery Bus Boycott.'

The article mentions that among Black Americans, 'sweet potato pie isn’t just a dessert. It’s a pie with cultural power that connects them to family and the past.' This reflects the deep historical roots and significance sweet potato pie holds.

In the context of Thanksgiving, the article details how most Black people would choose sweet potato pie over pumpkin, indicating its cultural resonance: 'In the seasonal debate over whether pumpkin or sweet potato pie should be the signature Thanksgiving dessert, most Black people would vote for the latter.'

Read at www.theguardian.com