Juneteenth, also referred to as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.
The holiday was first celebrated in Texas following the civil war in 1865. The name “Juneteenth” is the fusing of the words June and 19, the day which it is celebrated.
Even though the holiday has been celebrated since 1865, it was not federally recognized until the year 2021 after Opal Lee and the Congressional Black Caucus pushed it through the senate.
Juneteenth is important because it allows people to reflect on how we’ve come but also serves as a reminder of the work that still has to be done.
Many cities across the nation celebrate the holiday with parades, bbq festivals and even rodeos.
A center piece of any Juneteenth celebration is the consumption of red food and drink. The color red is a nod to ancestors from Yoruba and Kongo who were brought to America by way of the Atlantic Slave Trade. For them, the color red signifies resistance and sacrifice.
You’ll be sure to find delicious food and drinks at Long Beach’s Juneteenth celebration, a party at Shoreline Park on June 15 with DJ Pee Wee (Anderson Paak). Limited tickets are available here.
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