IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH!
Also known as Freedom Day, Juneteenth takes place on June 19th every year to commemorate the 1865 federal orders read in Galveston, Texas stated that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863! While Juneteenth celebrations have been canceled, or moved online due to COVID-19, you can still learn and celebrate with your family! Below are some ideas to celebrate the day.
- Plan to get educated! Visit the official Juneteenth website for resources and ideas to kick-off your family celebration.
- Read a children’s book!Juneteenth for Maize by Floyd Cooper is a family favorite. Too late to order online or pick-up from the library? No worries! You can do a fun read along via YouTube!
- Support a black-owned restaurant! Order take-out as your Juneteenth Feast!
- Prefer to be hands on in the kitchen? Red foods should take centerstage!Red is a symbol of the perseverance of enslaved people and red-hued foods are traditional for any Juneteenth celebration. Think Strawberries, watermelon, red velvet cake, sausages, red beans and rice, red soda, and barbecue! In fact, you can get your day started with this yummy watermelon smoothie!
- Practice Gratitude.On Juneteenth, we pause to reflect and re-imagine the possibilities of freedom. This is a wonderful time to start a gratitude journal or daily affirmation practice! There is no age restriction on giving thanks!