They Tried to Shame Us Out of Watermelon—But It’s Always Been Good for Us

Let’s talk about watermelon.

Not just because it’s juicy, refreshing, and perfect on a hot summer day—but because it’s time we reclaim it.

As Black folks, our love for watermelon was weaponized against us. What started as a symbol of self-reliance and prosperity after emancipation was twisted into a racist caricature. In the early 1900s, political cartoons and advertisements depicted us as lazy, ignorant, and greedy—all while eating watermelon.

Why?

Because watermelon once meant Black wealth.

Watermelon Was Once Black Wealth

After emancipation, newly freed Black people had to build lives from scratch—often with little more than land, labor, and resilience. In this climate, watermelon became more than a summer snack—it became a business.

Many Black farmers in the South began growing watermelon as a cash crop because it was relatively easy to cultivate, grew quickly, and was in high demand. They sold it at local markets, on street corners, and door to door. By the late 1800s, some formerly enslaved people were even able to buy land and support their families through farming—watermelon included.

Watermelon became an early symbol of Black self-sufficiency and economic independence. And that was threatening. In response, white supremacists launched a cultural attack—using racist imagery and tropes to paint Black people as childish, unserious, and gluttonous. They tried to mock our success and reduce our progress to a joke.

But we know the truth: watermelon was part of the early Black economy. It was a hustle. A survival strategy. A foundation for wealth in a country that tried to leave us with nothing.

And here’s what else they didn’t tell you: watermelon has always been good for us.

Health Benefits That Go Way Beyond Summer Snacking

Watermelon isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that support everything from heart health to hydration. Here’s what makes it such a powerhouse:

🍉 Hydration Hero – Watermelon is 92% water, making it one of the most hydrating fruits you can eat. Perfect for our bodies in the summer heat.

🍉 Rich in Antioxidants – It’s full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and supports prostate and heart health.

🍉 Supports Heart Health – Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow and can support healthy blood pressure.

🍉 Good for Skin and Hair – With vitamins A and C, watermelon contributes to healthy skin and hair regeneration.

🍉 Low in Calories, High in Nutrients – You can enjoy a generous serving without guilt. It's naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium.

🍉 Muscle Recovery – Some athletes drink watermelon juice to reduce muscle soreness after workouts. That’s right—it’s not just tasty; it’s functional.

Reclaiming What’s Ours

Let’s be clear: there’s absolutely nothing ignorant about eating watermelon. In fact, passing up on it might mean missing out on one of the healthiest fruits nature has to offer.

So this summer, slice it up. Eat it fresh, blend it into smoothies, toss it into salads, or enjoy it with lime and a little chili powder (if you know, you know).

And while you’re enjoying that sweet red goodness, remember: they tried to turn our joy into a joke, but the joke’s on them.

Because watermelon is—and always has been—Black excellence on a plate.

"Watermelon is more than a refreshing fruit—it’s a source of hydration, nutrients, and pride. Don’t let a stereotype keep you from wellness." — says Dr. Jessica B. Harris, African American food historian and nutrition advocate. Dr. Harris has spent her career documenting the culinary traditions of the African diaspora, reminding us that the foods we’ve carried with us and cultivated over generations are rooted in survival, strength, and wisdom.