The Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery, this we know. But what does Juneteenth celebrate? Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but it would be two full years before enslaved Africans living in the Confederate state of Texas received word of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, Union troops led by General Gordon Granger announced to enslaved Africans living in Texas that they were free.
In the early days of celebration, Juneteenth — a term likely first coined in 1909 — families would gather in churches across the south or celebrate with picnics, barbeques, horseback riding, rodeos, and even quilting bees. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, bringing well-deserved — albeit at times tone-deaf — attention to this important part of Black history. Read on to learn how to celebrate Juneteenth, how to plan a Juneteenth event for coworkers, friends, and family members, and also, how not to celebrate this important day.
Ideas for your Juneteenth family celebration
Juneteenth meal ideas
Red was a significant color for enslaved African ancestors in Central and West Africa. It was revered for its spiritual significance and its symbolism. Red food and drink were part of the first Juneteenth celebrations, and the tradition has continued over the years.
Drinks made from the red hibiscus flower and red fruits like watermelon — we talked about the nuances of that above — and strawberries took center stage. With the advent of red food coloring in the 1920s, foods with artificial coloring like sodas, and later cake mixes, became a popular addition during Juneteenth celebrations.
If you're looking for Juneteenth meal ideas that work well for a backyard barbeque or family reunion, consider getting together with the family and incorporating red foods in the form of a potluck. Anything red velvet — like these cinnamon rolls — iced hibiscus tea, red rice or Jollof rice, barbecue ribs, and a healthy fruit salad will be great additions to your menu.
