DALLAS — 2020 is a year that you probably want to end already, mostly because of COVID-19. As we get closer to a new year, there are many things you can do to try and drum up some good fortune.

In some places, more people are trying to find lady luck for 2021. The COVID-19 vaccine isn’t the only thing bringing people hope. It may sound superstitious, but many say bringing good luck and good health into the new year starts with the food found in a Dallas kitchen. 

The recipe for health, wealth, and happiness starts with a serving of black-eyed peas and collard greens, according to the teachings Derick Williams heard growing up in Mississippi.

“Black-eyed peas, collard greens, all the neckbones, the chitlins…all the heritage-type food,” he confirmed.

He’s the owner of Soul 2 Soul Southern Kitchen in Dallas. On New Year’s Day, if you eat all the food Williams listed, good luck is supposed to be headed your way.

“It’s a tradition, a Black tradition that goes on,” said Williams.

No one inside the restaurant really knows exactly when the southern tradition began, but Williams says compared to last year, he hears more people talking about wanting the superstitious meal so they can guarantee their 2021 is a whole lot better than anything that’s happened in 2020. His wife Latasha Williams runs the restaurant too and says she understands why so many are trying to attract some luck.

“A lot of people have been shaken by the COVID and are trying to the best that they can to provide for their family,” said Latasha Williams.

She’s not wrong.

“It’s pretty mind-blowing and breathtaking when you think of how far this goes back. If everybody does it, it will bring more good luck. I think it will,” said Vontarious Hayes, who was eating inside the restaurant.

If eaten together, black-eye peas are believed to bring you pennies. Greens and cornbread on your plate are supposed to bring you dollars and gold. Pork equals progress, fish brings abundance, and noodles mean long life.

"Manifestation is all rituals of our Black power and that’s why our food tastes so good I guess,” said Marilyn Bonventure, who was also eating inside.

Dozens of families will be counting on Derik and Latasha Williams to make their New Year’s meal so they have good fortune.

“Well, that’s a lot of pressure. I’ll tell you that. That’s a lot of pressure,” Latasha Williams said, jokingly.

The married couple surprisingly doesn’t believe in the superstition themselves. They prefer to lean on the Lord instead of lady luck. But, both say they are ready to spend some long hours preparing food that’s cooked with love and if it brings you luck, that’s a bonus.