Forward Magazine Summer 2023

As the summer sets in, we at campus dining at Thompson Hospitality are working diligently to prepare exceptional programming for the upcoming school year. Throughout the summer, we have curated events to give current and prospective students a sneak peek of what to expect when experiencing the Luxe Life. Throughout the summer, we celebrate culinary freedom with our Juneteenth celebration and dive into a trendy treat with a summertime fiesta, Birria-ish.

As we await your arrival on campus, we encourage you to indulge in the soft life this summer and revel in all you have accomplished this year. Our mission is always to provide attention to detail, exceptional service, and a commitment to excellence through our various programs catered to our audience. We are excited to share the outstanding programs and events we have curated.

We look forward to building bonds and giving you a luxurious experience.

See you in the Fall!

Maurice P. Jenoure, Chief Operating Officer

Dina Zaikouk, Vice President of Operations

Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality would like to continue our campus community theme, the #LuxeLife! The luxe life is a term crafted by our team of college student interns to convey the attention to detail, commitment to excellence and exceptional customer service that will be felt and experienced by each guest. As we welcome students back to a more open campus dining experience, we want to normalize the reality that our guests are worth going the extra mile. This year will be equal parts fun, fulfilling, and filled with teachable moments.

A Freedom Celebration Maximizing

Your Juneteenth Celebration

African Americans have a fascinating history filled with trials and triumphs. What began as a heartbreaking story of families being displaced and forced in over 200 years of enslavement changed to a story of overcoming adversities. June 19, 1865 was the beginning of an actual change in the United States, where African Americans saw what victory looked like.

It is often taught that the enslavement of African Americans ended after Congress passed Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 31st, 1865. However, following the proclamation, all enslaved African Americans were not instantly free, only requiring states under the confederacy to free them.

The road to freedom began two years before the proclamation was signed. On January 1st, 1863, President Lincoln issued and preliminary Emancipation Proclamation issuing the freedom of slaves in the United States. The 13th amendment was then passed by the United States Senate and House of Representatives, resulting in the abolishment of slavery in April 1865. With many African Americans now free of slavery and involuntary servitude, people in Galveston, Texas, were still under the impression that they would never be free.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Juneteenth (June Nineteenth), or Freedom Day, celebrates true freedom from slavery for all the enslaved people in the United States. On June 19th, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure that all enslaved people were freed. Since then, many African Americans in the south have used this day to celebrate freedom, becoming the longest-running African American holiday.

Though people were unaware of Juneteenth, its history slowly became known to many African Americans. The advocacy for the day to be recognized by the United States government began, resulting in President Joesph Biden officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021.

As the holiday becomes a new tradition in African American households, there are many ways to celebrate freedom. It is essential to know that while you celebrate and have fun, remember the significance of this day and how we can progress moving forward. Here are a few ways you can make the most out of Juneteenth.

There will always be power in supporting businesses of minority communities because each dollar spent contributes to entrepreneurial opportunities and success. During the Jim Crow era, Black Americans faced overt discrimination, such as redlining and job discrimination, that prevented economic growth in the black community. To achieve that idea of the American dream, Black Americans can create wealth in their communities, thus opening up job opportunities, property ownership, and generational wealth. As of February 2022, NBC News reported over Three million black-owned businesses in the United States.

With the abundance of black-owned businesses in the United States, a local company will likely want your support. From clothing shops, restaurants, convenience stores, and much more, a black-owned business is expected for your every need. There is also a plethora of online companies that are easier to access.

Visit The National Museum Of African American History & Culture

Suppose you find yourself in the Washington, D.C., area this summer, head to the most breathtaking exhibits you will ever see. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an 85-foot tall structure full of artifacts and historical facts related to African Americans’ lengthy and often untold history. After decades of effort to highlight the contributions of African Americans, the museum finally opened its doors to the world in September 2016.

Since then, the museum has had more than seven million guests and over 20 million virtual visitors to its website. To visit, you must receive a free time pass via their website so they can adequately regulate guests. The museum is open every day of the week. However, it may have a fixed schedule during Juneteenth; therefore, reference the website before your visit. While you’re there, stop by the Sweet Home Café to taste delicious African American cuisine made by Thompson Hospitality.

Host A Cookout With Family And Friends

There’s no better way to spend Freedom Day than with your family and friends. Cookouts are widely known in the black community for providing a safe space for everyone. With the stress of the world and the ongoing discrimination, black people need to come together to celebrate one another. At your gathering, make sure that everyone is having a good time. To ensure that the playlist incorporates some old-school and current music. Ask what people want to hear and add them to the curated playlist. Lastly, make sure the food is ready promptly. If you expect people to bring various dishes, ensure they arrive on time.

Donate To Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits are pivotal because they encourage people to get directly involved in their community. Many organizations highlight issues that a community is dealing with. Black nonprofit organizations have played an essential role in the black community, being the catalyst for change. Organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People are one of the largest nonprofits that have been at the forefront of changes in the country to end racial inequality. Since its founding, there have been many nonprofits creating highlighting specific issues on the black community, such as Black Lives Matter, combating the violence inflicted on the community, Black Girls Vote, which helps mobilize black women and their families to get involved in the political process, and Million Hoodies who aims to put an end to mass incarceration.

Luxe

Thompson Hospitality would like to once again extend a huge thank you to all our staff and students! With your help, we’ve been able to make this spring semester luxurious! We have enjoyed building deeper bonds with you through our programming and hope you all have had an experience worth bragging about. Our goal is still to show you how important it is to get the most out of your dining experience. From kicking off each month with our insta-worthy First Friday Luxury Kickbacks to getting down southern style with our Bayou Bash, each part of our dining program has been tailored to suit your needs. We are excited to create even more memories and continue to provide you with even more exceptional customer service, and attention to detail as the summer comes around. See you next school year!

Grad Fest

Polynesian Luau

Garden Give Back Earth Day Celebration

Have a great summer!

Men’s Health Month To Be Strong, To Be Healthy

For years people who identify as men have had many stereotypes placed upon them since the beginning. From being the primary breadwinner of the family, being able to build and fix things, being the direct authority figure, not showing emotions, and so much more. Heavy stereotypes create unfair and damaging expectations that can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle.

In June, it is Men’s Health Month aimed to highlight the importance of men and young boys taking control of their life by implanting healthy living decisions. This is important because studies have shown that the pressure placed upon men and young boys makes them less likely to get the proper care needed to be healthy.

The disparities between genders differ, with men being more vulnerable to major life-threatening chronic diseases than women because of their infrequent doctor visits. Moreover, it was said by BioMedCentral. com found that women are more health conscious than men in general regarding their diets. Men are also said to be less likely to visit the dentist and tend only to go when there is pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

During June and beyond, it is essential that men take control of their health in every way. Medical professionals are not only available for us when we get hurt but serve as a resource for all questions about the human body. To take steps towards healthier living, here are a few ways for men to start.

Regular Checkups

You should go to the doctor when you are sick and check in on your health. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control reported that women are 33 percent more likely to visit the doctor than men and 100 percent better at maintaining screening and preventative care. According to a Harvard and Rutgers University study, men who hold traditional views on masculinity are also less likely to get consistent health care because they believe they should be firm and self-reliant.

However, men are likely to develop heart disease 10 to 15 years earlier than women, and the leading cause of

death in men is lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Black men have a higher chance of diabetes and suffer from more oral diseases.

Visiting your primary care doctor is essential to prevent or detect any health issues beforehand. It is better to get ahead and control your health as soon as possible to ensure you are on the right track. On your doctor’s visit, you will get screened for any diseases and be able to ask any questions you may have regarding your health.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Everyone’s bodies are different and need various things; however, changing your diet to incorporate healthier food options is a perfect way to take better care of yourself. Listen to your body and fuel it with what it is telling you it needs, not what you want. MayoClinic.com recommends that men drink about 15 cups of fluids daily to be hydrated. Also, be sure to include fruits and vegetables in your meals daily as they are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are good for your overall health. Lastly, as tempting as sweets are, overeating can harm your health, leading to high blood pressure and blood sugar.

Adopt Healthy Mental Health Strategies

With the rate of depression and other mental health problems on the rise in the United States, now more than ever is the time to start developing healthy mental health strategies. Life is not always easy and sometimes can be very overwhelming. Young men are often told to hide their feelings or “suck it up,” psychologically programming them to suppress them. In 2019, the man up man down research program in Michigan explored African Americans’ physical and emotional health. The program found that African American men are faced more with the major depressive disorder but are less likely to get treated for it. Therapy is a great way to release your emotions in a safe space and understand your feelings. However, if you are unable or not ready to go to therapy, you can try writing down your emotions in a journal, having a self-care day, or exercising.

Create Downtime For Yourself

Feeling as if you must be mentally okay all the time can come with a lack of pouring into yourself. Pouring into yourself is one of the best ways to relax and give yourself the care needed. Find time each week for yourself to do whatever it is you need. Sleeping, listening to music, reading, cooking, or enjoying a nice bath can all be a way to relax your mind and body. However, there are other ways to spend your downtime. In your downtime, indulge in your hobbies and things you enjoy.

WELCOME

WELCOME BACK TO VIP Membership

Invitations to private dining events at their HBCU hosted by campus dining. Premium sections and priority access to giveaways. Monthly previews of exclusive content from Campus Dining.

Virtual Meetups like BINGO, Game Night, Speed Networking and more!

Text #Deluxe to 830-357-7630

Let’s Get

Social

Ways To Connect Through Food

Since the beginning, food has been the leading way to bond with people. You can learn a lot about culture’s history through food and better understand the person. Food can also serve as a way to show how they care for you, making sure you are well nourished. As the summer sets in and you think about ways to have fun with your friends, use food to create new experiences.

The primary way people connect is through a sit-down meal for people to talk and share experiences. You can learn a lot through conversations over food, such as learning about different opinions, catching up on each other’s lives, sharing good or bad news, and commenting on upcoming plans.

There are many other ways you can connect with your loved one this summer besides sitting down for a traditional meal, but you can make even more memories by taking a different route of connecting through food. Here are a few fun ways you can connect through food this summer.

Host a Potluck

Having a good old fashion potluck is a great way to connect with your friends and family. A potluck event allows each guest to bring one or more food dishes resulting in a big feast. As you gather with your loved ones, you can incorporate fun games at the event that will create everlasting memories. To add a twist to your potluck, you can add a theme that would encourage your guest to bring food that matches them. Some theme ideas could be favorite countries, rainbow theme, Italian dishes, popular foods from significant cities, charcuterie boards, and food dishes from your favorite cartoon show.

Make Meals Together

Making meals together is one of the best ways to bond with your loved ones. It does not have to be a planned event; however, it can be a day when you may need assistance or your loved one may need a helping hand. This impromptu moment can blossom into a beautiful moment where you can learn from one another. This can also spark other conversations following the meal, creating a closer bond.

Visit New Food Places With Friends

There is nothing better than discovering a new food spot nearby. Social media allows people to see and review restaurants they have never heard of. Suppose you come across a new place to eat, grab a few friends and travel to the new restaurants in the area to try. This is a great way to bond with your friends, even if it is not the best dish you’ve had. The memories you will make will be one for the books.

Have A Cookoff Competition With Family And Friends

It is the summertime, and what way to have a summer full of memories than a family-friendly competition? Cookoffs are usually seen on the food network, but bringing them to your kitchen will add a new level of fun and enjoyment. Pick a host and a few judges who will be as objective and honest as possible. Then gather the contestants to pick a dish each of them can make. Put a timer on the clock and watch them go! If everyone is comfortable, this will create a fun home video for the family to watch in the future. To spice things up, the judges can pick obscure ingredients and challenge the contestants to make a tasty treat.

Start A Vegetable Garden With Family

Though March and April are the perfect time to start planting vegetables, you can still make a flourishing vegetable garden during summer. The most popular vegetables to grow in the summer are cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squash, radishes, and zucchini. Gather your loved ones to learn the beauty of starting your garden. This is a great project to have throughout the summer and an important skill to learn.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT! THTV

THTeaches Season 2 Episode 1: How to Make Heart Healthy Taco

Chef Talk Season 3, Episode 3

Welcome to the Luxe Life: The Art of Self-Care

Pt. 2

CLICK FOR ON DEMAND TV FOR COLLEGE DINING

Soundtrack

Perfect Pairing for African American Music Appreciation Month

African American appreciation does not end with Black History Month in February but continues throughout the year in June. While June has a lot of holidays and celebrations, it also commemorates African American Music Appreciation Month.

President Jimmy Carter created African American Music month in 1979 to celebrate and highlight African Americans’ contributions to music in American culture. African Americans have been a staple of music in America for years, dating back to enslavement. Enslaved Africans in America had an abundance of culture and traditions that they brought with them. In those traditions were various styles of music that transformed into the spiritual praise songs in Christian churches today.

Over time, spirituals turned into singing the blues, creating a sultry heart-wrenching sound that connected people through various life experiences, from hardship to love. The blues became a new sound that added more rhythm and beats to the lyrics creating R&B music. R&B and the sound of funk music inspired DJs in the boroughs of New York to create a brand-new sound that would shape the 1990s era and add more character to the 2000s called hip-hop.

The importance of food and music go hand in hand. Food traditions were being passed down to generations along with the growth of new musical eras. American family gatherings where shared food almost always had music playing on a record player, radio, or Bluetooth speaker.

Food has been a staple in the black community. It brings families and friends together in a safe environment. Another staple of June is the kickoff of cookouts season, and you can’t have a good cookout without some feel-good music.

There’s a correlation between how music makes you feel and the feeling after a good meal. The sensation travels through your body when you bite your favorite meal. The same way it feels when you hear your favorite song- it moves you. While eating certain foods, remember how you feel when you listen to your favorite song. Let the food travel through your soul along with the delicious meal.

We at Thompson Hospitality have paired some of the most common dishes you encounter at a cookout this summer. If you find these items on your plate, turn on the song that you feel corresponds with it. Here are our delicious pairings.

Potato Salad – Ooh Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson

Everyone loves a good-tasting potato salad. There is truly an art to having the perfect combination of all the significant ingredients in the dish, including eggs, celery, mayo, relish, and other special additions. Just like the ideal potato salad has the right ingredients, Ooh Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles have the right mix of the background vocals behind the main singer's voice, allowing the audience to get hypnotized by the memorization sound.

Baked Mac & Cheese- Never Too Much by Luther Vandross

Just like you can never have too much baked mac & cheese, you can never not have a good Luther Vandross song playing at your family function. Never Too Much is a feel-good song that can be played at any family function to ensure everyone is moving to the beat. The unforgettable lyrics place you in a trance and bring your older family members back to a time when they were jamming on the dance floor in their younger years. Similar to the song’s feeling, you will not stop grooving in your seat after your first bite of baked mac & cheese.

BBQ Chicken- Cuff It by Beyoncé

Queen Beyoncé shook up the world with her ninth studio album Renaissance, reintroducing the world to the sound of dance music. One of her ground breaking hits, Cuff It, started a global trend on the social media app Tik Tok where everyone had their family members moving left to right to the chorus of the song. Whoever cooks on the grill must be a master at perfecting BBQ chicken, just as the acclaimed singer is at her craft. A good piece of BBQ chicken will have you moving in your seat like the song.

Corn on the Cob- Good Days by Sza

Nothing is more satisfying than hearing the crunch of delicious corn on the cob. The corn has a flavor like no other, leaving you anticipating the next bite. R&B artist Sza has a unique sound, experimenting with various genres in her projects. Her hit single Good Days is a reminder to enjoy the present and worry less about tomorrow's potential stress. As you eat your corn on the cob this summer, remember the good times you are having and the delectable taste of the very next bite.

Fried Fish- My Boo (Hitman Club Mix) by Ghost town DJs

Not every family function will have fried fish as a main dish, but when it does, it will most likely be the main item on everyone’s to-go plates. Like fried fish, you may not hear Ghost Town DJs’ hit single My Boo (Hitman Club mix) playing. When you listen to it, the infectious beat allows you to appreciate it all over again. A good piece of fried fish will have you wishing you could relive the moment you had it for the first time.

BBQ Meatballs- Unforgettable by French Montana ft. Swae Lee

BBQ meatballs are not always seen as a mandatory dish at every African American event but once brought, they will be gone by the end of the day. Unforgettable by rapper French Montana featuring Swae Lee is a catchy song that many forget after not hearing it for a while. The afro-adjacent beat with an unforgettable chorus brings instant good vibes as the music continues to play. BBQ meatballs may not be at every function, but the taste is undoubtedly unforgettable.

Cornbread- Happy Feelin’ by Maze

There is an art to making fluffy, tasty, and mouthwatering cornbread. Usually served at dinner events in African American households, cornbread instantly helps feel you up with every bite alongside your main dish. Happy Feelin’ by Maze moderate beat and simple lyrics allow whoever is listening to it to catch on, making anyone feel included quickly. This song compliments well at any event, just like cornbread at dinner.

Lemon Poundcake- My Girl by The Temptations

There are many desserts with a sweet and familiar taste, but nothing screams summer like lemon poundcake. A cake you can never go wrong with, lemon poundcake is a good option that everyone of all ages can enjoy. My Girl by the Temptation is an older song, but with the simple beat and sweet lyrics, you can’t help but smile as the song continues. The next time you hear this song play, look at the elders in your family light up with joy, and the historic group sings about the one they love.

Marketing Contacts

Daniela‑Gabrielle Smallwood, Head of Marketing and Communications daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 444–7430

Cindy Horstman, Field Marketing Director chorstman@thompsonhospitality.com (804) 640–4136

Editorial Staff

Gina Godwin, Creative Director

Heaven Smallwood, Chief Editor

Ryan Bayne, Graphic Designer

Yolanda Waters, Lead Writer