What This Divine Dessert Teaches Us About Spirituality And Self-Determination

Bean pies, sold on corners across the country by suited, bow-tie-wearing followers of the Nation of Islam, were a delicious Black Muslim staple. They were more than a sweet potato pie alternative. It was a divine dessert. 

The navy bean was one of the Nation's most important ingredients because all other beans were believed to be divinely prohibited.  In his book, How to Eat to Live, Elijah Muhammad wrote, "Allah (God) says that the little navy bean will make you live, just eat them…" 

Muhammad believed the divinity of the navy beans would allow a life span of 140 years. But it's deeper than the beans. 

The belief was about Black self-determination and the refusal to pull up a seat at the proverbial table white Christianity had set for us. The NOI community believed that their spirituality couldn't be tied to colonialism and enslavement. 

Our spirituality is ours to protect. Their systems cannot have our spirits. 

Outside the NOI community, the bean pie became a Black American staple. No matter your religion or preferred pie, the importance of bean pie gives us this one crucial reminder. 

We've been capable of finding ways to share our ideas and connect with our people. We don't have to accept anything given to us; we can create new realities together.