The Blaxican: a man and his food truck
By Gavin Godfrey, CNN
(CNN) – Last year William Turner lost his job with a religious non-profit organization. That was the impetus for him to pursue a longheld dream: owning his own restaurant. Turner's research led him to the creation of his food truck (and alter ego), The Blaxican, which serves up what he calls, "Mexican soul food."
Turner says he's aware that some people have strong reactions to his name and concept.
[2:33] "We live in a politically incorrect or correct society where we're so hypersensitive that even if we're not offended by something we think we should be offended by something. The Blaxican, it evokes an emotion, especially here in the south where race relationships for years have always been a hot-button for our society."
The son of a cook, Turner says that soul food is universal and in every culture there is cuisine that comes from the struggle to survive.
[3:32] "Soul food to me is food that is birthed out of struggle...Mexicans got soul food, it's called the tortilla. It's not a delicacy in Mexico. It's a piece of bread, but out of struggle they had to come up with ways to use that and frijoles and different things to try and feed their bellies."
From race relations to the history of the Philadelphia cheese steak, Turner's story goes far beyond his collard green quesadillas and jalapeno macaroni and cheese.
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This is my kind of guy, can't wait to try his stuff when I swing by Atlanta. As a Puerto Rican, I'm a SpanAfricArawak.
I am Mexican, I don't mind him calling his unit Blaxican, because my wife used that word on herself. I though it was a witty remark. There are many Blaxicans out there. As far as I am concern, they are my brothers too. If this Black man can cook, I am in!
Actually, it is probably awesome...... until they shut him down just like they did in Metairie and New Orleans after rebuilding was well underway. There were several people who had nice clean trucks with awesome food and provided a great service to people trying to help rebuild.........until the city decided to shut them down. I never found out the real story but I assume local restaurants started complaining after people started moving back. Politics 101.
I'm a Polokie - Polish mom, dad from Oklahoma.
I don't think tortillas are bread. They are made of corn.
tortillas are corn, flour, wheat, multi-grain, etc. based just like bread that most people are used to. instead of using two thick slices of bread tortillas are used
Uh......yeah. Cornbread.
Oh....and flour tortillas?
Guess you never heard of corn bread...
You certainly aren't from the south, cornbread is what we all live on here.
He's a wetblack.
It seems funny to me that the "White" man turns something as meaningless as getting you back wet in crossing the Rio Grande into an insult. Somewhere the "White" man forgets he is human too. (Not all White are like that- thank "goodness")
That food actually looks surprisingly delicious, and I'm white but I'd eat that whole menu, lol
And coming soon... my original line of Chinegro, Hispasian, Koreagro, and Japegro delicacies fused together from East L.A. and the Far East.
I'm Whack: Half White & Half Pakistani.
What horrible journalism...I had to link to dude's site to find out where he's located. CNN, what are your standards?
Did anyone else get that this story is not a story, but a paragraph or two completely devoid of depth or substance?
Im a beanpole. Half mexican and half polish
Im a Cocksuk. Half cocaisan and half suthern mexican
IIm an analfuk; half argentenian and half falklander
Im a pussy. Half portoricain and half swiss
Ilm a Ballsac; half bulgarian and have sacromentoi-an
IIm a Jizzgurgler Half Japanesse and half urgandian
Did anyone else get that this story is about a man who took a bad situation (unemployment) and used it as an opportunity to make his dream a reality?
I went to the Blaxican food truck at the Food Truck Park in Atlanta. His fusion of Mexican and Soul food is fantastic! I love his food and the Food Truck Movement happening here!
good for himm i hope to god that his bussines succeds and he opens not just one but alot of restaurants we need people like him here in the us not the ones blocking ideas for making money
There are Black Mexicans. Fact! Vera Cruz, Mexico, has a very large population with African roots. A very famous Jazz bass player, Abraham Laboriel, is from Mexico City. And even more popular than the word Blaxican, is the word Blatino, which is often used for many Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans. Latina America and the Caribbean have a very proud African lineage!
Most Hispanics don’t see themselves fitting into the standard racial categories used by the U.S. Census Bureau. When it comes to race, according to the Pew Hispanic survey, half (51%) of Latinos identify their race as “some other race” or volunteer “Hispanic/Latino.” Meanwhile, 36% identify their race as white, and 3% say their race is black.
This is what America is all about, having the freedom to create and make a living with an idea of his own. I hope he expands or writes a book, would like to get his recipes. Good luck and keep on truckin.
Well stated, thanks for keepin it positive! I completely agree with you–this guy had a great idea, and it looks like he is at least marginally successful. Way to go Blaxican!
e.l Posted on For one thing unless they're pulbsihed you mean writers'.Only you can decide when, as it needs to fit round you and your members' schedules.
I love it!
Nice looking food truck, wish you all the luck and success, I have a little business it's called" Petes Wicked Tunes" I have fun and make a few bucks may not sound professional but it works
I'l have some chitlins with rice and beans with them collard greens. A fried chicken taco and some cherry Kool-aid. Lmmfao......
That would maybe be funny in the 1980s. Nowadays its just "yawn."
After a few beers, that would probably sound delicious.
People, you're not playing the game! CNN wants you to be mad that this guy is using this seemingly non-PC term. You're not supposed to LIKE what he's doing. Where's the conflict in that? Without conflict, CNN has nothing to write about. Play the game right so the guys at CNN can keep their jobs.
My friend's husband is a Jewican I guess. I was talking to her and she mentioned Hispanic kids having scholarship benefits, and I said "You mean Hispanic kids like your children?". She didn't get what I was trying to say.
Neither do I. It's pretty cryptic.
@John Doe
You understand journalism about as well as you understand particle physics.
"Educator" (not original and pathetic at most).......it's ridiculous...not rediculous. Dummy.
is it good?
Really good. Promise.
This is news? We have other things to talk about than this. Maybe he can feed bums.
He uses the tips the to feed the homeless.
Why the hell you on here, then? You came all the way here, read the article, logged in, only to gripe about this not being news? Why the hell you on here, then? Take you griping elsewhere, Debbie Downer.
Everything is News jonnyDoe dumb head ..
Actually he has fed homeless people. If you don't want to read stories like this, feel free to skip over it.
I have to go to Atlanta in a few weeks. I can't wait to try this guy's food.
I would luv to try some of those dishes. I am African American...and NOT offended, just hungry!!! good work guy. You know they are going to try to steal your idea.
I guess I don't get the point of calling yourself mexican soul food. I can go anywhere and get a fish taco. Philly nacho's? I can think of 3 places I can walk to from here to get them. Sweet potato fries? Even Arby's has those. Best thing about the truck is the name. The food you can get anywhere else.
This is Mexcellent.
I heard Obama is going to regulate Salt consumption. Since it is bad for your health hence needs to be regulated. When will I have to sign a salt disclosure with several picture images of open heart surgery?
Gracious. Where do you "hear" such things? Rush Limbaugh?
Yes but only dimwit Republicans will have to comply with the law.
Speeding is dangerous and is regulated. Alcohol is regulated. Seatbelts are regulated. Heck, crossing the street is even regulated. The government regulates because people have proven over time they cannot regulate themselves. The sodium initiative is not an overreach by the government, it's to protect the people who by choice or otherwise cannot make a healthy decision. Obesity is out of control and we are suffering as a nation. We need to give up this front of incessant liberty and freedom because it's killing us.
@Real Mex – Salt regulation? Huh? That's what your kidneys are for.
Could it be racism is in you? The tongue speaks the innermost thoughts of the heart.
The Blaxican, you can man! Your business, your decision. More power to you! I bid you every success in your business.
Barbequeue rib soft tacos! I'm hungry now.
Sounds like good stuff, I want to try this food.
Some of you racist white people are funny. If he was unemployed, you would be complaining how "you have to go to work to suport this lazy scrub"
Now that he opened his own business, some of you are complaining that his name is somehow atrocious. What a joke.
I have to go to Atlanta in a few days. I will look this truck up and support him.
I'm totally in love with this guy. I'm a Latina and I love his idea, his passion, and his creativity. I think he's a fantastic role models for anyone who has struggled. He sounds very happy and very blessed and I wish him nothing but the best.
I love the concept. As a Mexican, I am not offended. In order to go mainstream, he might have to change the name eventually but the concept of Mexican style Soul Food is actually pretty cool.
I do not like the name, because not exist black Mexicans
There are Black Mexicans in Veracruz, Mexico
Wrong, wrong, wrong!!! He may not be black, but there are many black Mexicans. Furthermore, there are statues of black slaves who helped liberate Mexico. Shame how many people don't realize that North and South America were majorly influenced by black people. 15,000,000 brought to South America compared to 500,000 to North. Where do you think they would have more impact?
I think this is a great idea. I am Mexican-American and the name does not offend me at all, in fact I had a girlfriend couple years ago. who was in fact half- Black half-Mexican and she and I in fact used the same exact term, said she was "Blaxican" all the time. Good luck with your business.
Alex – Ya need to do some research before saying there are no black Mexicans. Although not common, they have and still exist today.
I have met black Mexicans, and most Mexicans in general are dark enough to be blaxicans. 🙂
Alex, I'm not sure where you are from. but there are plenty of Black/Afro-Mexicans in Vera Cruz and Costa Chica... You many want to check Wikipedia from time to time.
At the time of Mexican independence there were more black people in Mexico than there were Spaniards.
Who cares if he is black or Mexican! This is an AWSOME example of two cultural foods coming together to satisfy something that every race has .. TASTE BUDS! Right on brotha! Do what you do and keep pushing to making your dream come true!
"Latino's", "you're" instead of "your", "rediculously", "bussiness". I weep for our language.
Educator.......it's ridiculous...not rediculous.
@southernsugar
Reading comprehension. Try it some time.
The prejudice of people astounds and disgusts me. If I saw the truck I would absolutely try Mexican soul food. I hope the busines is rediculously successful!
The food sounds good and a great blend of cultures. Very Creative and Unique! LOVE IT!
All we need now is Boudin Tacos.
Great idea. This is the sort of thing that makes america a great country to live and do bussiness in. Forget the ignorance that some of these folks have posted here. Continue to keep keeping on. God bless you, and if I ever run across your food truck I would be glad to give the viddles a try.
The real story out there, that news media outlets, politicians, race activists and so on don't discuss is more difficult to discuss.
Its no secret in the African American community, that Mexicans, NOT Latino's in general, but specifically Mexican have strong and I mean very strong racist sentiments towards African Americans.
They have pushed out African Americans out of traditionally Black communities across the USA, but especially in California.
I have little time to expand on even more instances of racism towards African Americans by Mexicans.
But I will sum it up like this: within Mexican culture, there are racist tendencies that also extend out other NON-Mexican Latin American groups. Yes, Latino on Latino racism. And it comes directly from Mexican to whomever they think is not a Mexican.
I'm not making this up now, it does exist. Try it. Confront a Mexican person, born in Mexico or born here in the USA, ASK them about this racism. Then, see what they say. Most will try to deflect it and point out others racism, but never admitting to their own strong racism that exists in their CULTURE.
So, to me, when a Mexican group, under the guise of representing ALL LATINO'S, complains about any racism, I have to laugh incredulously. From what I've experienced, observed and heard first hand as they drop their guard in front of me thinking I'M Mexican, you'd be appalled, I'm taken aback by the utter hypocrisy of these complainers.
You're comment is longer than the article. Knock it off.
Your comment should focus on the treatment of immigrants by Mexicans. Their Immigration system make ours seem like the welcoming committee at Disney.
@Mexican Hypocrisy
Yes, thank you for pointing out that racism is endemic to all cultures. You fail to realize, however, that it is specific to individuals. Also, please learn how to use an apostrophe correctly. The plural of "Latino" is "Latinos".
Oh yeah... those Mexicans are really racist.
MY GRANDDAUGHTER IS A BEAUTIFUL BLAXICAN. DON'T MAKE BROAD STATEMENTS ABOUT CONDITIONS OF YESTERYEAR. SOME AFRICAN AMERICANS AND SOME MEXICAN AMERICANS MAY HOLD ONTO STALE IDEAS AND BELIEFS BUT DON'T SPEAK FOR US ALL.
If everyone was as in touch with themselves as this guy we wouldnt have so many "over sensitive" types running around.Why sugar coat it? You are what you are. Let your actions speak for you.
Sounds like good food. The PC folks get upset with everything and probably won't eat there even though they might just like it.
Black people are Indians and mexicans are half Indians so it all adds up to a Inadian Dish ....black people are not Native America they are Indian part Indian from India .
You are mis-informed. My paternal great-grandfather was a full blooded cherokee, dark skinned indian with coal black straight hair. I also have native american on the other grandfather's side. I am black.
Additionally, there are black american decendents from tribes in Oklahoma and others. Where do you get this nonsense information?? Does the term 'freedman' rolls mean anything to you? sheeesh.
Jack Smith, I don't think you know what your talking about... Actually, I'm sure you don't.
Blacks are Indian and mexican? Are you serious??? do you know anything about American History. I didn't read anywhere that mexicans or indians where on any slave ships. Get your facts right before posting something that sounds good in your head... Not Smart!
You are an idiot.
You, yourself, are mostly Ignorant, partly Pathetic.
Black people are from Africa, not from India, you dumbass. Mexicans are half (mixed in many degrees actually) Amerindians (native Americans). Indians can be as dark as a black person, but they are from India, not Africa.
Let me guess... $40 for a gumbo burrito. The receipt states "A-is, no returns."
No gumbo burrito, but the most expensive item is like $8. That sounds tasty though.
@lacoaster
Incorrect, moronic guess.
Kudos to the guy, the food sounds very yummy. Reminds me of a food truck here in Houston call El Correano Mexicano, "The Mexican Korean". i luv me sum good phusion foods!
Obama- "You didn't build that"
hey, you knew it was coming
You mean the road the truck is on; the cops' salaries who make sure he doesn't get robbed and hey even the truck itself whose factory has a whole infrastructure paid for and maintained by various federal, state, and local agencies. Well you knew that was coming too.
How do you know what, if any subsidies that factory who made the trucks received?
And the Confederates didn't build the American South. Four hundred years of FREE slave labor built that. I"m sure you knew that was coming. Troll!
Got excited about your food truck...I meant to say you did not mope around and complain. You did something about your situation and became successful
I'm not putting down the man's accomplishment, but starting a food truck should be a choice, not a retirement plan. It seems like a lot of good people are getting fired for the crime of turning 50 and nobody will hire them due to age. Society demands that they cash in their 401-K's and start their own businesses in order to have jobs at all. If you can't be a successful entrepreneur and you're over 50, you're expected to starve to death because "nobody needs you anymore".
I commend you on not letting anything get in your way of becoming successful. You mope around and complain. You are strong and innovative. Way to go!!!!
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, right after I give my speech in Flordia, I am hooking up with this man's food truck. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Q: How many illegal mexicans does it take to shingle a roof?
A: It depends how thin they're sliced.
How many racist scumbags does it take to bring back Jim Crow? While your confederate ancestors fought a civil war to undermine our democracy and maintain their shameful, oppressive and inhumane system of slavery, the Union fought back to defend and preserve our democracy. I find it f-ing appaling that you confederate scumbags are now strolling around America, wrapped not in the confederate flag but in the American flag calling yourselves patriots. F-you all!
This is a republic. K thx. ^.^
Thing is, there are actually black Mexicans. Whole communities live in the Costa Chica area.
Right on brother
I've eaten his food and its great. He's out all the time at the Atlanta Food Truck park at Howell Mill and I-75,
Is Blaxican Food something like a Rasta Raspa? Which is a rastararian snowcone.
lol that's funny. what a great plug for this guy. you can even see his phone number on the side of his truck. wonder how many calls he's getting today!!
LOL funny stuff. Well, it beats unemployment. I'm not offended by this at all
There is always something Mexican for all people, even if unknowingly...
That looks like like same bus Sarah Palin was using for her cross country tour.
Serve it up,
I'll let my taste buds decide..!
Awesome! Wish I could try your food.
I heard about this before on an unlikely place....the Call of Duty Black Ops 2 forums in the "Off Topic" section
I envy the Blacxican... I wish I could cook like him and actually have a truck like he does... I think it's cool!
Chitlins and mexican food?
Sounds like puerto rican. You they eat a lot of pig on that island, so what happens when you mix black culture and mexican culture is you get puerto rican. That's a head trip.
That's funny!
Chitlins + mexican food = menudo. Never had it myself, but I know a guy who would live off of it, if he could.
@Jen B
Yeah, tripe soup. It exists in other cuisines. Good hangover "cure".