The annual Soul Food Feast, sponsored by the Black United Students and Center for African American Students, took place in the fellowship hall. 

The feast is a fund-raiser for the Black United Students, Beatrice L. Spradley, former Black United Students president, said. 

Spradley helped by taking tickets or money at the door. 

"I've been helping with this since 1991," Spradley said. "We won't know how many were here until this evening or tomorrow." 

Despite her uncertainty, there appeared to be about 50 or 60 people in line. Spradley did know there was a larger turn out from the community than there was from students. 

The smell of rolls filled the room as people lined up outside waiting patiently to get in. 

Along with chitterlings, the main course, many other foods were available. Among some of the items on the menu were barbecue ribs, chicken, green beans, sweet potatoes, coffee, punch and dessert. 

The Soul Food Feast began 14 or 15 years ago, Fran L. Jackson, program assistant II for the Center for African American Students, said. 

"We provided the food," Jackson said. "But we brought in a caterer to prepare it all." 

John Spotts, former Marshall employee, prepared the food for the Soul Food Feast. 

"It doesn't matter where you go for a meeting," Spotts said. "The meeting will be good if the food there is good." 

Spotts had an explanation at to why soul food is important to African American culture. 

"I think it goes back to slavery. The slaves used to eat collard greens because they were good all winter long," Spotts said. "The slave owners also used to save the good part of the swine and give the rest to the slaves. So the slaves used what the slave owners couldn't, and that is where we get chitterlings." 

Spotts wasn't as sure, however, why it is called soul food. 

"It's hard to say really," Spotts said. "It is hard to determine what the soul really is. It could be the body or the spirit." 

Jack Forte had a different opinion however. 

Forte is Brandi Jacobs', former Student Government Association president, grandfather and has been helping at the Soul Food Feast for six or seven years. 

"I try to help them sell tickets," Forte said. "I am also behind this project 110 percent." 

Forte led the grace after everyone was seated and had their food. He said he had a pretty good idea as to why it is called soul food. 

"Soul food is something you look forward to eating," Forte said. "It helps you cope with problems and combat everyday life."

Story by Courtney Ross