Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, Liberation Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day, has long been commemorated on June 19 in Black communities throughout the country in a variety of ways, including parades, rodeos, and barbecues. Since President Joe Biden officially made the day a federal holiday two years ago, new traditions have formed.
From massive festivals and block parties to intimate cookouts with red drinks, there are many ways to spend the day. If you’re new to commemorating Juneteenth, you may be wondering how to celebrate. Do you just relax at home? Try and check out a parade? Should we start hosting annual cookouts this weekend? The possibilities are endless.
Whether this is your first year celebrating or you’ve been commemorating Juneteenth for years, here are seven ways to create new traditions around the historic day.
Give Texas its due
Juneteenth specifically commemorates when the last region in the country, which happened to be Texas, finally learned President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves two years earlier. Since then, the day has been a cause for major celebration in the state. If you can’t physically get to a celebration in Texas, you can always pay tribute virtually by throwing on some Beyoncé or Megan Thee Stallion, learning more about the state’s history with the day, watching some Black westerns — and, of course, indulging in some quality barbecue.
Be social
If you and yours have Juneteenth off, host a cookout, attend a street fair, or a block party — in short, engage with your community! The day commemorates one of history’s worst moments of poor communication and underscores how isolated Black people once were from one another in this country. Rebel against that legacy by joining with the ones you love — or making new friends. (Bonus idea: Do your best to sip on…
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