1. It Wasn’t Instant Freedom
When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it declared enslaved people free—but only in the Confederate states. At that time, Lincoln had no power to enforce it in the places still at war with the Union. Freedom had been declared, but not yet realized.
On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and finally delivered the news: slavery had ended. More than 250,000 people still enslaved in Texas were told they were free, two and a half years after the fact. Juneteenth commemorates that day, and reminds us that the realization of freedom doesn’t always come on time.
2. It Became a National Holiday in 2021
Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. President Joe Biden signed the law after years of advocacy and rising public awareness, especially following the racial justice movements of 2020. [Source: WhiteHouse.gov]
But for many of us, Juneteenth wasn’t something we were taught in school—we learned about it through our families, our churches, or years later on our own. That personal path to knowledge is part of why the holiday feels so important. It’s not just about history—it’s about recognition.
3. It’s Celebrated with Culture, Community, and Food
Juneteenth celebrations vary from town parades to backyard cookouts. But the heart of the holiday is gathering with family, with neighbors, and with purpose. Music, laughter, conversation, and good food are central.
You’ll also see a lot of red on the table—red velvet cake, grilled meats, and especially red drinks. The color red symbolizes the blood, struggle, and resilience of those who came before us.
4. Red Drinks Connect the Past and Present
One meaningful tradition is serving Hibiscus Red Drink, also known as bissap or sorrel. This sweet, tart beverage is made by steeping dried hibiscus petals with ginger and spices. With roots in West Africa and the Caribbean, it connects us to a cultural legacy that spans continents.
Not in the mood to steep spices? Big Red Soda is a popular alternative, especially in Texas. It’s bright, sweet, and nostalgic—an easy way to keep the tradition alive with family and friends.
5. It Still Matters Today
Juneteenth isn’t just about remembering the day freedom was announced—it’s about recognizing that freedom is a process. It’s not something earned through suffering; it’s something every person deserves to realize, fully and equally
Celebrating Juneteenth gives us space to reflect, to learn, and to pass that awareness forward. Whether it’s through sharing a meal, teaching your children, supporting Black-owned businesses, or simply taking the day to pause, your actions help honor the meaning behind it.
You don’t need to go all out to make it matter. Grill some food, turn on a playlist, pour something red, and create space for connection.
Because it’s not just a party—it’s a Milestone Mingle.
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