Clemson University’s chapter of Every Campus A Refuge is sharing the stories of local refugee families by launching its inaugural cookbook on Thursday, featuring recipes, stories and photos that reflect their identity and culture.
The book is compiled of recipes shared by refugee families in Clemson, Seneca and Central. Each family has a dedicated section to share their story and recipes, along with photos taken by the family throughout their daily lives. In total, the cookbook features five recipes from five different countries.
Stories span from Rwanda to the Congo and from Afghanistan to Pakistan, alongside background on ECAR and how the organization began.
ECAR, advised by Dr. Angela Naimou, associate professor in the College of Arts and Humanities, comprises two parts: oral history research and student engagement through the organization. The cookbook and the initiative behind it are unique in that it bridges the gap between the two components, combining oral history with meaningful engagement between students and families.
The initial idea for the cookbook was sparked by students who had studied in South Africa and came across a similar project that told stories through food. Inspiration struck, and the students knew they wanted to incorporate this style of historical recounting into their work at Clemson.
“It was really a far-fetched idea at the time, but after talking about it, we really thought that we could do it through conducting oral history interviews with our families,” said Sara Alkelani, president and co-founder of the chapter and a senior political science major. “Food is such a perfect way, because it connects people from all cultures, and can really be a way to get memories and just find out more about a person.”
Each recipe is connected to the families, offering valuable insight into their cultures and experiences. Rather than just listing ingredients and directions, like in a traditional cookbook, this version explores the meaning behind each dish and the people who prepare it. Accompanying stories share with readers how the dish tastes and smells and connect audiences to the meaning behind them.
Students collected stories through informal, in-person conversations, often sharing meals with the families they visited.
“I think it was really special, because it just … created a community in a different way,” Alkelani said. “(Families) were able to share this recipe that they were talking about that meant so much to them at home; they were able to share it with new friends at Clemson.”
Beyond helping students learn about different cultures, the project also allows families to build community in the area while sharing their experiences and engaging with others.
Another powerful aspect of the cookbook is its true glimpse into the families’ everyday lives. Alongside the recipes and stories, the book includes candid photos taken from a disposable camera given to each family to document their lives. Families can be seen relaxing at home, spending time at the park and sharing other special moments they chose to capture.
“Because again, the whole point of this was not to insert ourselves and tell the story we see fit, but, rather, allow them to tell the story they want,” Alkelani said.
The book’s design was inspired by Threads of Hope, a tailoring business run by one of the featured families. The design incorporates elements of embroidery-inspired art, another way to connect the piece more closely to the family’s features inside.
Thursday’s launch event will feature catering by Rose, a member of one of the families highlighted in the cookbook. Her recipe is included in the book, and she will be sharing more of her cooking directly with audiences as she prepares food for the event.
“I think that’s another special way that we’re bringing this family to campus to celebrate their story through the cookbook,” Alkelani said. “And also for the family to get to meet students, and (share the cookbook with them).”
This semester’s launch includes 300 copies of the book. Looking ahead, Alkelani hopes the book will expand as the program grows, incorporating more recipes and larger print runs.
For those interested in attending the event or obtaining a copy of the cookbook, more details are available online.
