Cal State University of Bakersfield to host Soul food Thursday at The Runner Cafe. 

This is the second semester that Soul Food Thursday has been a new feature at the Runner Cafe.  Due to the excitement and enjoyment of the food it made a return that many students and staff said that they are happy to see the comeback.  

Breanna Polk, Communication Coordinator for the Department of Campus Recreation Dean said, “This event is really important here on campus so that we have a place for people that look like me African American a space for us to feel welcome and included.” 

Chef Anthony Alexis is the main chef of this event. Anthony was inspired to start Soul Food Thursdays when several colleagues were wondering about the different foods that were served in the cafeteria. 

At the soul food event the tables were decorated with red, green, and gold colors to represent Pan-African colors.  

Green represents the land of growth and hope, the red represents the bloodshed and the common heritage of Africans during the fight against oppression, and the gold represents the rich resources, peace and harmony between various ethnic and religious groups.

Natasha Harris, the Senior Admissions Officer and Transfer Center Coordinator said, “This Soul Food Thursday luncheon is special because faculty, students and staff get to celebrate our culture and get a home cooked meal”

The menu on Sept. 12 consisted of food that was made for the soul. It had barbecue brisket, turnip greens, baked macaroni & cheese, cornbread, and for desert maple apple cobbler. 

Darris Riggins, Director Student Access and Support stated, “This soul food luncheon has good food but also a cultural dynamic to it is some types of food that is traditional within the African American community.” 

To learn more about Soul Food Thursday and what meals will be available, check out the Runner Café lunch menu at Runner Cafe – CSU – Bakersfield (campusdish.com)