Today's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are just a taste of how African Americans used to eat.

Now, here’s the short version: I feel asleep at the wheel on the highway, foot still on the gas.

Despite the tension that family gatherings sometimes inspire, it will do us all well to remember the good times from Thanksgivings past. Contributing Editor Harriette Cole shares hers.

Chef Jeff, who served 10 years in federal prison before finding success as a chef, talks to The Root about his family's Thanksgiving traditions and his mission to help others.