Did black people create fried chicken first?

It's impossible to definitively say that Black people created fried chicken first. The origins of fried chicken are murky and predate the transatlantic slave trade.

Here's what we know:

* Fried chicken is an ancient cooking method: Frying food dates back thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

* Chicken was introduced to Europe in the 15th century: From there, it spread to the Americas, where it was readily adopted by European colonists.

* African and European culinary traditions blended: During the period of slavery in the United States, enslaved Africans brought their own culinary traditions to the table, which influenced the cooking of their owners.

* Fried chicken in the South: The Southern United States developed a particular style of fried chicken, with various regional variations, that became associated with Black cuisine.

The important takeaway: While fried chicken is deeply entwined with Black American culture and identity, attributing its invention solely to Black people is a simplification. It's a dish that has evolved over centuries, with contributions from various cultures and individuals.