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Strong-Turner Alumni to Sponsor Annual Soul Food Day; new date is Feb. 13

02/05/2014

UPDATE: Because of inclement weather, Soul Food Day has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13.

JONESBORO – The Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter (S-TAC) of the Arkansas State University Alumni Association will host the 9th annual “Soul Food Day” on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Military Science Building (formerly the Armory) at 1921 Aggie Road.

This year’s theme is “Remembering Life Cycle Transitions,” emphasizing the role that food plays in all major life events, such as births, weddings, reunions, and funerals. The common thread is the good food and fellowship people experience as they transition to each life cycle.

The event is sponsored by the A-State Multicultural Center, Delta Studies Center, and the Office of Diversity.

The Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter of the ASU Alumni Association, formed in 1982 by a small group of African-American alumni, is named after Walter B. Strong and Frederick C. Turner, the first African-American graduates of Arkansas State.

S-TAC sponsors many activities, programs, and events designed to strengthen the existing bond between A-State0, the city of Jonesboro, and surrounding communities.

Soul Food Day began in 2004 with only 50 people attending.

“The event has grown tremendously since then,” according to Peggy Wright, Soul Food Committee chair.  “Last year, we had between 300-400 people and we expect more to attend this year.”

She added that Soul Food Day continues to unify people of diverse cultures, both on and off campus, through the sampling of a variety of different foods.

This year, Soul Food Day will include a "Best Sweet Potato Pie Contest."  To enter the "Best Sweet Potato Pie Contest," individuals may submit their name, address, phone number, and $5 entry fee to: S-TAC, P.O. Box 2577, State University, AR 72467-2577 or email S-TAC at strongturnerasu@gmail.com.

Soul Food Day is open to all students, faculty, staff, Jonesboro community members, and others across the northeast Arkansas region.

For more details, those interested may contact Wright at (870) 680-8214.

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