By: Kyrsten Ovares Castilloux, LCS Sophomore
On February 4th, Lincoln Charter School began its kickoff to Black History Month through celebration! At Lincoln Charter's Denver campus, all of Eagle Nation celebrated the start of Black History Month. Our Outreach Consultant, Mr. Carl Lykes, organized the gathering. Mr. Lykes said that the inspiration for Soulfest came from his children; he believes it is vital for them to "be able to dive into their heritage." He planned this event to inspire people to "share light and show love."
In early October, we launched a similar event titled "La Fiesta" to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The event encouraged the community to unite to honor different Hispanic cultures through vendors and booths. People were able to gain an understanding of Hispanic culture through that event; Soulfest was a party. Jeff Atkinson's Deacon Food Service of Lincolnton cosponsored the event. They provided donations and vendors. SoulFest had everything: southern barbecue, Caribbean cuisine, catfish, flounder, chicken, vegetables, and sweets. There were basketball relays and face painting by students from the Lincolnton and Denver campuses. The high school gym housed a game of nine square. Courtney Chay, a Lincolnton local singer/songwriter, kicked off the festivities with "Lift Every Voice." In addition, Chris Thomas, a motivational speaker, spoke about the importance of self-worth and the faith it takes to achieve dreams.
Ten black-owned businesses were scattered throughout the high school building; they sold handmade merchandise and treats. The vendors' inventory ranged from art pieces to clothing to snow cones; something was happening everywhere.
The event's highlight was a food truck competition with a prize of $1,000. Five food trucks competed for the grand prize: Soul Bistro with Chef Joel Knight, whose cooking is inspired by his wife; Chef Anthony Ross, of "Chef Skillets Best Barbeque," whose cuisine is inspired by his grandmother; MarlieQ's Caribbean Queen Cuisine, with Chef Marlon and her daughter Que whose inspiration is her pastor. C&J Chicken, Fish & more, with Chef Calvin and Janell, whose inspiration is to be their own boss. And finally, Ve'Go food truck with Chef Akil and Chef Paris Courtney, whose inspiration was to "share as many flavors and dishes for all to try."
The businesses went head to head, serving five judges a plate of some of their famous dishes. The judges included:
- Cara Dowling, Lincoln Charter School Board Chair
- Johnathan Bryant, LCS Chief Administrator
- Chris Thomas, motivational speaker
- Melvinia Robinson, Lincoln Charter basketball referee
- Joe Pasick, Deacon Food Service representative
The judges evaluated the food based on appearance, quality, quantity, and taste; they used phrases such as "anointed" and "some of the best food they've ever had" to describe the entries. Soul Bistro ultimately won the competition with their House Ribs, brisket, collard greens, mac and cheese, and candied yams.
In addition to the food truck competition, Lincoln Charter created its first-ever Soulfest Scholarship to support a Lincoln Charter Senior with their future goals. The proceeds from Soulfest and "limited-edition" apparel will go toward the scholarship. The goal is to raise over $2,000, providing enough money to award a scholarship to more than one deserving Lincoln Charter senior.
