Huntington University’s MAC (Multicultural Activities Council) hosts Soul Food Café every spring for Black History Month. This year, a student composed a poem in honor of the event.
By Vanessa Gradeless | February 12, 2026
MAC makes a point to involve students in their events, and Soul Food Café is no exception.
Sam Handerson, a junior history major, was asked to read a poem in honor of black history. Handerson went a step further and composed his own poem, inspired by his own life experiences.
recites his own poem. (Photo by a MAC photographer)
“I have been gifted so many wonderful opportunities that others may never get,” he shared, while reflecting on what inspired him to write the poem, “and that is only because brave people have fought for me to get this chance!”
He appreciates Soul Food because it allows him to share his culture with other students on campus.
“Soul Food Night brings together a lot of different people into one spot. For a lot of people I know, it’s the one event that they are always looking to go to!”
Another student, Lillia Kilzer, sang with the jazz band. This was her second consecutive year joining the band.
First-year student, Isaac Winters was also a special speaker this year. Winters read from Psalm 23 and related it to God’s strengthening of the abolitionist leaders.
MAC has a basic structure for how the event should run: students are seated, food is served, and then trivia. All the while, a jazz band plays in the background. Soul Food is held in the upper HUB every year and is one of MAC’s most popular events, next to their Latin Fest in the fall.
“Events like this help us live out HU’s mission by creating a community that seeks truth, shows love, and builds real relationships that celebrate the diversity in the body of Christ. I’m grateful for everyone who helped make it happen. I hope we can keep putting on events that bring learning, connection, and cultural awareness to our campus.”
Destiny Copeland Rolle, Director of Multicultural Affairs and Student Programming, reflected upon the impact of Soul Food Café on HU’s campus community:
She also shared the impact this event has had on her personal life.
“I personally love engaging in multicultural settings and celebrating different cultures. This event is important to me because it is not only an educational experience, but it is also a celebration of black history. Also, being an African American female, this event is really special to me because it connects me to my own story and the history that has shaped me.”
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