Cindy Nguyen

American barbecue’s origins are deeply rooted in Black and Indigenous American culinary traditions. Indigenous peoples used open fire pits for cooking for over 10,000 years, and the term “barbecue” evolved from the Taino and West African words “brabacot” and “babbake.” Despite modern associations with suburban men, barbecue spread across the U.S. through migration and has diverse regional styles.

The Lost Friends Database compiles ads from the Southwestern Christian Advocate newspaper, where African Americans searched for family members separated by the domestic slave trade. Including ads referencing Atlanta, this database highlights the city’s role in this period. These ads provide a poignant glimpse into personal stories of separation and efforts to reconnect families.

Explore the gripping tale of Lily May Peel Futrelle, an Atlanta-based writer whose firsthand experiences aboard the Titanic offer a unique perspective on the ship’s infamous sinking. Her account challenged established historical narratives and revealed crucial yet overlooked information about the disaster.