Prepare King Family Christmas Recipes

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
The King/Williams family (based on the marriage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. and his wife, Alberta Williams King) has many rich traditions, and the holidays are no exception. There are now 7 generations of their family celebrating the holidays together. The King/Williams can trace their lineage back to Africa, Ireland, and Native America. Each year as the family gathers, they think back to the 1960’s when the family used to gather for the holidays.

Today, the family has several traditions that they enjoy each year. One tradition is caricature drawing. At most family gatherings, Mr. Tony Smith, an award-winning caricature artist comes to capture the likeness of family members and guests.  Another tradition involves music.  Since some family members are musically gifted, the Williams/King family also has a tradition of playing and singing to the piano. The music continues throughout the evening. They also incorporate massages into their family celebrations! Mr. Oshea Harper comes to their events and offers chair massages to anyone who would like one. Of course, one of the most important traditions for their family centers around food! In addition to traditional food like turkey, greens, and beans and rice, the family loves to eat grilled ribs, chicken, and steak, which are prepared by the men of the family who refer to themselves as the “A Team.” Alveda says the most important of all of the traditions is family prayer. When you pray together, honestly, differences go away,” said Alveda. “Prayer is really what brings family together.”

Alveda will show us Leg of Lamb and Marinade (pg 18), Roasted Cabbage (pg 37), Cornbread Stuffing (pg 23), GG’s Turkey Soup and Trifle Punchbowl Cake (pg 40).

ABOUT ALVEDA
Alveda is a pastor, leader, author, and speaker with a rich cultural heritage. Her uncle is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Alveda is a guardian of the King Family Legacy; she oversees that the truths that have made the King family influential and prosperous are protected and continue to be shared. She highlights the King core value of fighting for justice because it is the very essence of who they are. Fighting injustice started with Alveda’s grandfather who lobbied hard for black privileges while pastoring at their church. Alveda’s father promoted credit unions for his church members and encouraged people to further their education during the civil rights movement.