Adrienne Cannon, African-American history specialist at the Library of Congress, shares Rosa Parks' pancake recipe with peanut butter. Visit Mrs. Parks' nieces in Detroit to cook her favorite recipes. Dan makes peanut butter pancakes with Nicole Taylor. Unveil Parks' personal documents beyond activism and legacy in the kitchen.
Rosa Parks' pancake recipe reveals her resourcefulness and simple pleasures amidst civil rights activism.
Adversity faced post-Montgomery bus boycott highlights untold struggles of Rosa Parks and her husband.
Deep dives
Exploring Rosa Parks' Personal Documents
Rosa Parks' personal documents, including a pancake recipe, were made available by the Library of Congress in 2016. While these historical papers notably showcase her activism in fighting segregation, the focus shifts to a humble pancake recipe, providing a glimpse into her daily life and culinary legacy. The recipe, written on the back of an envelope, captures the essence of her resourcefulness and simple pleasures amidst the complexities of her civil rights activism.
Impact of Rosa Parks' Stand on Personal Life
Following Rosa Parks' defiant stance on a Montgomery bus in 1955, the personal repercussions were severe. Despite her pivotal role in initiating the Montgomery bus boycott and contributing to civil rights advancements, her and her husband's lives took a downturn. The adversity they faced, including death threats and financial struggles, culminated in their relocation to Detroit in 1957, shedding light on the untold challenges faced by the iconic figure.
Legacy of Rosa Parks through Family Recipes
Through family recipes and anecdotes, Rosa Parks' nurturing nature and culinary prowess are illuminated. Her nieces share cherished memories of her cooking, revealing a side of Parks focused on family and community. The intimate connection between her love for children and her culinary creations underscores her multifaceted persona beyond her public persona as a civil rights icon.
Culinary Symbolism in Rosa Parks' Pancake Recipe
Rosa Parks' pancake recipe, featuring unexpected ingredients like peanut butter, unveils a culinary heritage deeply rooted in African American traditions. The incorporation of peanut butter, a staple with historical significance in African American cuisine, reflects the intersection of culinary and cultural influences within Parks' cooking. The recipe serves as a tangible link to her roots and a reminder of her resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
In 2016, the Library of Congress posted Rosa Parks' personal documents online for the first time. Buried under postcards from Martin Luther King and lists of volunteers for the Montgomery Bus Boycott was a pancake recipe, written on the back of an envelope — which included the addition of peanut butter to the batter. On this week's episode, we visit Adrienne Cannon, a specialist in African-American history at the Library of Congress, to see the recipe firsthand. Then we travel to Detroit to share a meal with Mrs. Parks' nieces, who published their aunt's favorite recipes in their book, Our Auntie Rosa. Finally, Dan heads to Nicole Taylor's kitchen to make those peanut butter pancakes.
This episode originally aired on May 1, 2017, and April 12, 2021, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Anne Saini, Shoshana Gold, with editing by Dan Charles. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Jared O'Connell, and Nora Ritchie.
Every other Friday, we reach into our deep freezer and reheat an episode to serve up to you. We're calling these our Reheats. If you have a show you want reheated, send us an email or voice memo at hello@sporkful.com, and include your name, your location, which episode, and why.