What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a federal holiday which derives it’s name from a combination of June and nineteenth. June 19, 1865 is the day in which enslaved Africans in Texas finally received an order from Major General Gordon Granger that they were free. This is particularly ironic because the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln since January 1, 1863. Talk about good news traveling slow!? Sometimes I can only imagine what they would think about us during this time of technology where news travels at what seems like the speed of light! LOL.
The celebration of Juneteenth began in the church communities and eventually spread to other community wide events. People gathered to celebrate the end of slavery and what better way to do it than through FOOD. Some popular Juneteenth dishes are collard greens, BBQ pork or chicken, corn bread, tea cookies and hibiscus tea. The menu is very similar to a New Year’s Eve meal because it’s based on prosperity and good health.
We had a great time on set highlighting the delicious food we prepare to commemorate the holiday along with what Juneteenth truly means to us. Juneteenth is like July 4th for African Americans is one way we summed it up. Anything that rings freedom brings music to our ears. We’re always so grateful for the path that was blazed for us by the sacrifices of so many.
We’re excited to celebrate Juneteenth this year by launching our new non profit named Nourish the Culture. Our goal is to promote, educate and engage the community by sharing our love of the Gullah culture here in the Lowcountry. To kick things off our Old School Juneteenth Cabaret on Saturday, June 17th will be a celebration and our inaugural fundraiser for the nonprofit. We look forward to having guests purchase tables, decorate, bring food and drinks and socialize with everyone. All while The Black Diamond Band entertains us with their smooth R&B sounds.
The event will be held at Society Hall and tickets can be purchased at www.carolimas.com