Racial identity politics are deeply embedded in foodways, encompassing everything from seed to plate and the communal celebration of food. Soul food has roots in enslaved rations and plantation cookery, influenced by the Columbian Exchange. The denial of respect for African-descended peoples' culinary contributions has led to caricatures like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben. However, African Diaspora people have transformed these tropes into symbols of pride. This presentation highlights historic culinary contributions of Africans in the Americas, and shows how recognizing the 'black hand' in our foodways can benefit everyone.