Transform Your Well-Being: Discover the Power of Intentional Eating and Cooking with ‘Health and Healing’

On February 17, Elon University members gathered at El Centro for a special event celebrating Black History Month. Titled “Health and Healing,” this gathering aimed to foster better eating habits and promote wellness within the Black community. The Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) partnered with Elon Counseling Services for this initiative.

Students from CREDE showcased their culinary skills by preparing dishes like “hidden” veggie mac and cheese, quinoa popcorn chicken, and chocolate zucchini bread. Discussions about health and well-being occurred alongside the cooking. Adriana Clarke, a sophomore and co-facilitator of the event, shared that the idea stemmed from broader conversations about health in the Black community during last year’s Intersect: Diversity and Leadership Conference.

“This is an educational event,” Clarke explained. “We want to empower Black students at Elon to take charge of their health by showing them the resources available.”

For Charles Evans, an Elon counselor, family meals have always played a vital role in life. He stressed the importance of intentional eating and building a healthy relationship with food. “In my community, food brings us together,” Evans said. “Sharing meals is what has shaped my views on food and health.”

Recent studies show increased loneliness among adults in the U.S., a fact highlighted by the Surgeon General’s advisory on social connection. Evans encouraged participants to reflect on their personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-appreciation and stress management.

“Our goal is to advocate for communities that often feel overlooked,” Evans noted, especially during Black History Month. He aims to make therapy feel more accessible, breaking the stigma surrounding it.

Men’s mental health is a critical topic, especially in underrepresented communities. The Office of Minority Health reported alarming statistics about suicide rates among Black males, noted to be significantly higher than for Black females. Evans and the CREDE team hoped to encourage more Black men to seek help and support.

Michaela Williams, another co-facilitator, highlighted the stigma around mental health discussions in the Black community. She hopes these events can help shift perceptions, especially for Black men who feel pressure to conform to traditional masculinity.

Later this month, Evans will launch a weekly counseling service called W.A.V.E — Weathering Adversity and Varying Experiences. This program aims to help individuals navigate various challenges, from body positivity to anxiety.

This event was part of CREDE’s ongoing Black History Month celebrations, which include various activities throughout the month. Students, faculty, and community members are encouraged to participate in these enriching experiences.

Benji Stern contributed to this report.