On Wednesday, February 27^th, ForwardEver Sustainable Business Alliance (ForwardEver) and Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) hosted a free public screening of the documentary Soul Food Junkies by filmmaker Byron
Hurt (Mr. Hurt) at the Newark Symphony Hall.

This thought provoking documentary opened with a pictorial listing of various soul food delicacies: baked macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, grits, cornbread and pig ears.  These are all food items that many people within our communities grew-up eating and, some people continue to eat as a part of their daily diets.  As an audience, we viewed the impact of soul food throughout our history and throughout our culture.  Soul Food Junkies allowed us to question our love of food but also question our lack of access to quality foods being sold within lower income communities such as Newark, New Jersey. 

After viewing the documentary, there was an open discussion with Kimberlee S. Williams (Founder-ForwardEver), Baye Adofo Wilson, Esq. (Founder/Executive Director-LPCCD) and Mr. Hurt.   Mr. Hurt explained that he creates films that he would want to see.  His films honor and challenge our culture and traditions. Mr. Hurt continued to explain that Soul Food Junkies is a film that depicts the gap between the lifestyles of healthy eaters and the lifestyles of non-healthy eaters in a non-preachy, humorous manner.  But, people should be motivated and inspired to live a healthier lifestyle after viewing his film.     

The collaboration between Mr. Hurt, ForwardEver and LPCCD enhanced the promotion of positive changes within the Newark community.  LPCCD focuses on
urban revitalization through its urban farms.  And, ForwardEver promotes independently owned businesses as a means to sustain community collaboration.  All parties work towards highlighting the City of Newark.

For additional information about Soul Food Junkies, please visit http://www.bhurt.com.  For additional information about ForwardEver,
please visit http://www.forwardevernj.com.  And, for additional information about LPCCD, please visit http://lpccd.org.