150 years later people gather to commemorate ‘Fuller’s Feast,’ end of Civil War

Even with the threat of severe weather looming overhead, many turned out Sunday evening to commemorate the feast that former slave Nat Fuller created in 1865 in Charleston – a landmark occasion that brought blacks and whites together socially at the dinner table.

Fuller invited members of the white old Charleston society as well as African-American freedmen to dine together on an elaborate meal. “Nat Fuller’s Feast” marked a significant early conversation on civil rights in the state. On Sunday, 150 years, later, discussions of equality resumed at commemorative gatherings in Charleston and at the University of South Carolina.

Initial plans for guests to enjoy the feast on the outdoor patio of McKissick Museum were changed due to the rainy, windy weather. But guests were able to enjoy a multi-course traditional Southern dinner created by executive chef Corey Green in the historic McCutcheon House.

Green, who has been a chef for 17 years, said he began preparing for the meal last Monday. Among other things, it was a chance to understand his own story and trace back culinary art to his ancestors.

“It’s a feeling of ‘Wow,’ because it makes me understand that South Carolina, through its troubled history, at its soul, is a really good place,” the Camden native said.

Green prepared crab and cabbage cannelloni, a chicken liver pate, stuffed quail and many other dishes, replicating the menu at Nat Fuller’s Feast.

Chuck LaMark, an advisory board member for McKissick Museum, said the dinner was the perfect opportunity to explore issues that were on people’s minds at the end of the Civil War.

“This dinner is an opportunity to reflect on our history, and on our past, and look at ourselves and improve ourselves,” LaMark said. “(Fuller) was smart, because most diplomatic decisions and peacekeeping meetings happen around food, which is a common thing we all share.”

The Rev. Frank Anderson, who represents the Lutheran Church at the university, said he had been looking forward to the conversation as well as the cuisine.

“I guarantee you it will be a great conversation about Nat Fuller, about what we can do in this state, this city, to fulfill some small, or large part, of Nat Fuller’s dream,” Anderson said.

USC President Harris Pastides greeted guests as they walked out of the rain and into the McCutcheon House. He said the dinner was a way for various segments of the community who normally socialize separately to come together.

“Having a meal is the best way to solidify a true, trusting relationship, so I am so glad this is about food,” Pastides said. “If you look around it looks to me about half-and-half, African-Americans and whites, but we are all one community tonight, coming to break bread and remember the past.”

Pastides said versions of Nat Fuller’s Feast should be held throughout the state to commemorate Fuller’s courage in attempting to bring the white and black communities together after the war.

“I think we need to do it every year and to encourage others in the community, not just USC, for others who want to be part of the movement,” Pastides said.

This story was originally published April 19, 2015 at 11:42 PM with the headline "150 years later people gather to commemorate ‘Fuller’s Feast,’ end of Civil War."