Historically, the Black Church has been able to shape the behavior of the community by providing political direction, comfort, physical resources and moral support. “After emancipation, black churches became virtually the only place for African Americans to find refuge… The representational structure of African American churches confirmed Black preachers as both religious and community leaders.

It is true that many Black gatherings are centered around food, but that is also true of many cultures. What is not readily portrayed in the media is the lack of access to healthy foods many Black communities face or how the ratio of fast food restaurants is greater in the inner city compared to suburbia due to federal programs of the 1960s.