In Black communities around America, the bean pie is a symbol of the varied Muslim communities that emerged from the Nation of Islam’s nearly 100-year history in the United States. For many, the dessert stands for Black pride and healthy eating. Much of its fame comes from charismatic street vendors such as 40X, who spread the teachings of the late Minister Elijah Muhammad on city corners and at markets and fairs; those teachings include that the navy bean is a kind of superfood. In conversations with Black elders, community historians, restaurateurs, religious leaders, academics and one bean pie man in a suit and bow tie, Ahmed Ali Akbar has learned a small part of how the South Side of Chicago holds the keys to the complex, core histories encoded within the bean pie. Despite unusually good access to the Nation of Islam and local community historians, much of the history was still difficult to verify. But it’s clear Chicago has some of the best claims to being the historic capital of the bean pie in the United States. Tap on our bio link to read more. —— Photo 1: James 40X moves bean pies from a box to a bag for a delivery in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue on Nov. 23, 2024, in Chicago. Photo 2: A bean pie sold by Imani Muhammad at the Go Green Community Fresh Market (@ggcfreshmarket) on West 63rd Street in Chicago. Photo 3: Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream parlor in Chicago (@shawnmichelleschicago) offers two different Bean Pie ice cream flavors, Taste of Heaven, at left, and Sajah. Photo 4: Imani Muhammad sells bean pies at the Go Green Community Fresh Market on West 63rd Street in Chicago. ? Ahmed Ali Akbar / Chicago Tribune ? John J. Kim and Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune / @johnkimpictures

In Black communities around America, the bean pie is a symbol of the varied Muslim communities that emerged from the Nation of Islam’s nearly 100-year history in the United States. For many, the dessert stands for Black pride and healthy eating. Much of its fame comes from charismatic street vendors such as 40X, who spread the teachings of the late Minister Elijah Muhammad on city corners and at markets and fairs; those teachings include that the navy bean is a kind of superfood.

In conversations with Black elders, community historians, restaurateurs, religious leaders, academics and one bean pie man in a suit and bow tie, Ahmed Ali Akbar has learned a small part of how the South Side of Chicago holds the keys to the complex, core histories encoded within the bean pie. Despite unusually good access to the Nation of Islam and local community historians, much of the history was still difficult to verify. But it’s clear Chicago has some of the best claims to being the historic capital of the bean pie in the United States.

Tap on our bio link to read more.

——

Photo 1: James 40X moves bean pies from a box to a bag for a delivery in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue on Nov. 23, 2024, in Chicago.

Photo 2: A bean pie sold by Imani Muhammad at the Go Green Community Fresh Market (@ggcfreshmarket) on West 63rd Street in Chicago.

Photo 3: Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream parlor in Chicago (@shawnmichelleschicago) offers two different Bean Pie ice cream flavors, Taste of Heaven, at left, and Sajah.

Photo 4: Imani Muhammad sells bean pies at the Go Green Community Fresh Market on West 63rd Street in Chicago.

? Ahmed Ali Akbar / Chicago Tribune
? John J. Kim and Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune / @johnkimpictures