The Heart of Juneteenth is in Galveston

One Texas writer says she's been celebrating the holiday for decades—with good food and family.

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States in 2021, arguably following the tragic murder of George Floyd. However, for many families, the celebration has been recognized for over 150 years, starting in Galveston, Texas.

I was barely four years old the first time my family drove us one hour from Houston to Galveston Island to celebrate Juneteenth. Like many generations before us, we shared treats that were naturally colored and dyed in rich hues of red while parading through the streets, moving our bodies to loud music and vibrant dancers. I was too young to understand that the celebration was for me, for the emancipation of my people more than 100 years earlier, and recognition of the perseverance and spirit of Black people across America.

Now, nearly 40 years since my first Juneteenth celebration, my understanding of the historical time has evolved as I have introduced my young children to this quintessential element of our history.

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, formally ending slavery in the United States. However, it wasn't until nearly two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, that enslaved African Americans of Galveston, Texas received the long-awaited news of their freedom by the Union army troops.

Juneteenth combines the month and day—June 19—but it is also called Emancipation Day or Freedom Day. While Black Americans have the painful struggle to track our history beyond slavery, many generations of my family have roots in Texas. While Juneteenth has been observed for over a century, many African Americans in Texas agree that fewer friends and family outside of Texas know that part of history. The holiday has received more momentum and recognition nationwide after a cascade of racially charged incidents that impacted the Black community, including the brutal deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and several other Black Americans.

Hana Boston is a native Texan with family roots that have connected her to Juneteenth since childhood. As a young girl, she earned the title of 2nd runner-up in a Juneteenth pageant, one of many ways that her family celebrated the holiday and their history as Black Texans. "This piece of history impacted my descendants, and while I don't celebrate every year, it's part of our cultural heritage. It resonates with Black people in Texas and has gained more traction over the last decade. Yet still, when it comes up with my Black friends in other parts of the nation, compared to the atrocities of slavery, it seems less significant."

As a Houstonian who has celebrated Juneteenth throughout my lifetime, I, too, have felt a shift in the energy surrounding Juneteenth over the last several years, one that is welcomed as a connection and insight into the Black communities across America. Last year, Sandra Cole moved to Texas from Iowa to be closer to her children and grandchildren. While familiar with Juneteenth, she acknowledges that she has just now had a community to celebrate with. "We knew about the holiday, but it wasn't something we celebrated like they do here in Texas. It's a different vibe, and I'm excited to learn more about Juneteenth and build memories with my grandchildren now that I'm more local to the birthplace of it all."

There are many ways to celebrate Emancipation Day, but like any good party, there are a few must-haves.

The Menu

The menu at a Juneteenth celebration is delicious and historically symbolic. Red is present at most Freedom Day celebrations as the color is often associated with ancestral reverence in West African traditions and represents the bloodshed of our Black ancestors. Over time, my family's Juneteenth celebration has transitioned into a modern-day backyard cookout. However, they still include red foods such as strawberries, watermelon, hot sauce, red velvet cake, and a red drink or, as my family calls it, Red Soda Water.

The recipe may vary, but Red Soda Water is seltzer or carbonated water that is flavored with red foods such as watermelon, strawberry, or hibiscus. It's a refreshing drink, especially in the Texas heat, and it always puts a smile on my face and takes me on a nostalgic journey down memory lane..

Storytime

I love listening to stories from my family members and elders throughout the Black community. Our history is rich, and our stories have traveled on the tongues of our ancestors. Sharing a homecooked meal and hearing original stories through an elder's narration is an honor. Grab a plate (remember to serve your auntie, too) and gather accounts as you make your way around the party.

Shop Black

While supporting Black-owned businesses can be a standard practice in your life, Juneteenth is a great time to buy Black. Check out Black-owned restaurants to fill your menu or pick up your party outfit at a local shop. Set the mood for your party and stream music by Black artists or give your guests a party favor created by a Black artist.

Game Time

There is much to learn about Black history. Engage your guests with a game of Black History Trivia. Ideas for categories include music, movements, sports, literature, legends, and leaders. Check out this list of trivia questions to get the party started.

I look forward to the years ahead when I take my children on the short trip to Galveston and celebrate Juneteenth, where the jubilee all began. We have an incredibly close connection to a beautiful and joyous side of Black history in a country and state with a stronger chronicle of the mistreatment of Black people. Much of the generational lineage of Black Americans has been scrambled and destroyed. Still, Juneteenth gives Black people ownership to a day in history that our ancestors and elders regard ours for the keeping.

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