School Serves Up Ethnic Food Fest

It’s not often one sees collard greens and chicken empanadas on the same plate. But then, that was the whole point.

On Friday, the last day of Black History Month, staff, students and parents at Hillery T. Broadous Elementary School culminated four weeks of observance and study with a multicultural food and dress festival in the school’s auditorium.

“It’s a way to bring the community together and to appreciate each other’s cultures,” said Broadous Principal Calvin Lloyd. Broadous, which is named after the patriarch of a prominent local African American family, is located in a part of Pacoima that was once home primarily to African Americans. In recent years, Latinos have become the largest ethnic group in the area.

On Friday, an abundance of enchiladas, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, potato salad, rice, beans, corn bread and more was served at an enormous potluck lunch.

“Food is a great thing to get people to come together, to break bread,” said Vice Principal Karen Glasgow. “This provides a nonthreatening environment for the parents to come to the school. And, it’s delicious.”