Cookout Culture
Name something that always happens at the cookout.
- Someone yells, “Who made the potato salad?!
- The music turns into a Soul Train line.
- Somebody’s plate stacked sky-high.
What’s something that happens during a Black church service?
The pastor says “I’m almost done” three times.
The choir takes it to the mountaintop.
Somebody catches the Spirit.
Kids fall asleep.
Church lasts three hours.
What’s something every Black parent says?
“Don’t touch anything, don’t ask for anything.”
“Money don’t grow on trees.”
“Because I said so.”
“Keep crying, I’ll give you something to cry about.”
“Do I look like Boo Boo the Fool?”
Name something you’ll always find in a Black household.
Vaseline.
Plastic bags inside plastic bags.
Takeout containers reused for leftovers.
“Good towels” nobody uses.
The good room nobody can sit in
Name a classic Black sitcom everyone knows.
Martin
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Good Times
The Parkers
Girlfriends
Name something people bring to every cookout.
Foil-covered pans of food.
Red cups.
Store-bought dessert pretending to be homemade.
What’s something people wear to church?
Big hats.
Sharp suits.
Shiny shoes.
Gloves.
A fan from the funeral home.
What’s something a grandma might say?
“Go lay down.”
“You better eat before you go.”
“Don’t make me get up.”
“Come here and fix this remote.”
“Put some Vicks on it.”
What’s something in the bathroom you’ll find?
Shea Butter / Cocoa Butter.
Black soap.
Bonnet or silk scarf.
Toothbrush cup from 1999.
Hair grease container.
What’s a movie every Black family quotes?
Friday
Coming to America
The Wiz
Set It Off
House Party
What’s one thing you better not do at the cookout?
Touch the grill without permission.
Bring raisins in the potato salad.
Leave too early.
Talk bad about someone’s food.
Show up empty-handed.
What happens after church?
Sunday dinner at grandma’s.
People talk in the parking lot for an hour.
Someone invites you to another service.
Kids run to the car.
“Did you see what Sister Johnson was wearing?”
What’s something a Black mom says when you’re in trouble?
“Who are you talking to?”
“You got one more time.”
“Don’t make me come in there.”
“I brought you into this world…”
“You better fix your face.”
What’s in the kitchen that’s not for cooking?
Butter container full of leftovers.
Old country crock tub with hair grease.
Cup full of utensils.
Plastic cutlery drawer.
Foil-wrapped pans stacked in the fridge.
Name a song that always gets the party started.
“Before I Let Go” – Maze ft. Frankie Beverly
“Candy” – Cameo
“Wobble” – V.I.C.
“September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
“Back That Thang Up” – Juvenile
What’s the best cookout side dish?
Mac and cheese (baked only).
Potato salad.
Collard greens.
Baked beans.
Cornbread.
What’s something heard in a church choir?
High notes for no reason.
A tambourine.
“Take your time!”
Someone clapping offbeat.
The organist is doing the most.
What’s something a dad says while grilling?
“You don’t know nothing about no seasoning.”
“Hand me that foil.”
“This right here? That’s the secret sauce.”
“Don’t touch that meat yet!”
“You see that smoke? That’s flavor.”
What’s something every Black household has multiples of?
Remote controls.
Blankets on the couch.
Pictures of graduations.
Candles.
Chargers that don’t fit your phone anymore
Name a celebrity everyone’s auntie loves.
Denzel Washington
Idris Elba
LL Cool J
Morris Chestnut
Shemar Moore
Name something you’ll hear at every cookout.
“Turn that music up!”
“Who made this?”
“You got some foil?”
“Fix me a plate!”
“Don’t let those flies in my house!”
What’s something you find in the church pew?
A Bible.
A fan with MLK on it.
Offering envelopes.
A peppermint.
Grandma’s tissue.
What’s something parents yell when company comes over?
“Clean this house up!”
“Don’t be embarrassing me.”
“Put some clothes on.”
“Act like you got some sense.”
“Don’t be running in and out my house!”
What’s something in the living room?
Plastic on the furniture.
Family photos on every wall.
The big TV.
The “good” couch nobody sits on.
Throw blanket that’s always missing.
Name a BET classic show.
106 & Park
College Hill
The Game
ComicView
Rap City