Writing with Juliet Iwelunmor

My jollof rice is joyful, so it’s heavenly taste with my people. Every Sunday afternoon is joyful. So the smiles of my people. Joyful also are our gathering. Joyful also are these memories with my people.

I have been reading Braiding Sweetgrass and the idea of the holder and the braider reminded me of what happens in my home every Sunday afternoon with Jollof rice. For us, Jollof rice is often eaten together. Like a communal feast. Both the cook and those who gather to eat what’s made are important.

It’s perhaps why I like my jollof rice smoky, the party kind, with curry and rosemary, tomatoes and basil leaves. Everything about my jollof is joy. We cook it every Sunday. Sometimes before and other times after church. My rice is often parboiled. My tomatoes, crushed. Even the pot used creates a smoky taste that is heavenly and joyful, leaving behind sweet memories with my people. Keep eating jollof rice together.

I think those who engage in public health, everyone who cares about how we disseminate or implement evidence based interventions would do so well with understanding why gathering together whether over jollof rice or braiding sweetgrass matters. Separately rice is bland and tasteless when cooked alone. Yet as Jollof, the ingredients matter and is as vital as the gathering of those who indulge in the rice. Every gathering tells stories too. I remember growing up in our home in Nigeria and watching from the balcony as women cooked big pots of Jollof Rice for parties and events. No gathering was complete without a pot, a bowel or a tray of Jollof Rice. It’s a complete staple and my way of cooking it has evolved overtime but still remains true to the smoky taste I grew up with in Nigeria. These days, whenever we have guests, we welcome them to our home with Jollof Rice. Eating it together is also key with our gathering that I am so happy Robin’s book reminded me of why things we do together like eating Jollof Rice or Braiding sweet grass matters. It’s the same with working with communities, the public, for their health as they define it.