Juneteenth: A Guide to Celebrating and Understanding the Holiday

Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed, has become more universally recognized beyond Black America since it was designated a federal holiday in 2021. Celebrations can range from cookouts and barbecues to community service and education panels. The holiday is a time to remember the sacrifices of enslaved ancestors and celebrate freedom. Red symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifice of enslaved ancestors, and a Juneteenth menu might incorporate items like barbecued ribs or other red meat, watermelon, and red velvet cake.