Our newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, is being celebrated across the country in unique ways. This holiday has gained attention and significance, especially within the culinary community. Juneteenth commemorates the day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln. Originally celebrated in Texas, it has now become a nationwide opportunity to come together and celebrate the traditional and new takes on food that are important to the Black community. We spoke with Black chefs to discover how they honor this holiday through food, and here’s what they had to say.
Martel Stone, the chef and CEO of The Black Supper Collective, sees Juneteenth as a holiday with limitless exploration. He believes that with its mainstream recognition, it has garnered attention from various businesses catering to assumed Black cravings. Stone emphasizes that while Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, it also represents pain, blood, and sacrifice. He suggests using this holiday as an opportunity to gather with loved ones, eat, and celebrate, while also acknowledging the uncomfortable truths that should be remembered and honored. Stone’s personal Juneteenth celebration involves cooking plenty of greens, a tradition he fondly remembers from his upbringing in North Philadelphia. He pairs these greens with fried fish to create a perfect Juneteenth party table.
Reginald Scott, owner of Houston’s barbecue restaurant The Smoke, shares that he didn’t grow up celebrating Juneteenth at home but has since recognized its significance. As a parent, he believes it is important to acknowledge ongoing social injustices and use Juneteenth as an opportunity to educate and celebrate. Scott’s Juneteenth party table will be filled with mouth-watering dishes such as brisket, wings, collard greens, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and peach cobbler. He plans to indulge in delicious food, enjoy fun activities, and participate in cultural traditions.
Kalen Allen, known for his YouTube food reaction videos and appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” reminisces about the Juneteenth celebrations in Kansas City, Kansas, where he grew up. Allen plans to enjoy his favorite childhood foods, including peach cobbler, his grandmother’s upside-down cake, and sweet potato pie. Collard greens are a must-have for him on Juneteenth, as they symbolize good luck. Allen learned to cook by watching his grandmother and values the traditional use of cast iron skillets. Although he is uncertain about where he will celebrate this year, he is excited to gather with friends and educate himself further on Blackness and queerness during Pride Month.
Petrushka Bazin Larsen, co-owner of Sugar Hill Creamery in Harlem, didn’t participate in big Juneteenth celebrations growing up but became more involved after an internship in Harlem. She believes that Juneteenth serves as a history lesson for younger generations who may find it unfathomable that slavery continued after freedom was declared. Larsen recommends walking around Harlem on Juneteenth to absorb the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere. At Sugar Hill Creamery, they offer watermelon black sesame nondairy flavor, which represents the essence of Harlem and is reminiscent of watermelon stands and pick-up basketball games. She highly recommends trying it.
Jocelyn Delk Adams, cookbook author, television personality, and founder of Grandbaby Cakes, understands the importance of Juneteenth in reflecting on history and fighting for racial justice and equality. She appreciates how food brings the Black community together and plans to celebrate with traditional dishes like barbecue and potato salad. Additionally, Adams incorporates red foods into her celebration, as red is an important color for this holiday. She suggests trying her recipe for classic 7Up Pound Cake to complete the meal.
Vallery Lomas, “Great American Baking Show” champion and cookbook author, suggests embracing the summer vibe of Juneteenth celebrations. She mentions that summer foods like potato salad are essential, but it is also an opportunity to include red foods, such as red velvet cake, as part of traditional celebrations.
Tiffany Derry, a chef from Texas, remembers the Juneteenth barbecues and crawfish boils that she attended growing up in Beaumont. She believes it is crucial to discuss the significance of this day with younger generations, and she plans to do so with her son. Derry recognizes that Juneteenth is more than just a tradition; it is a day to reflect on the freedoms and opportunities she has. She hopes to create a deep understanding and appreciation for this holiday.
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