Y’all know I love any reason to throw a party, but this reason is personal. As an African American, knowing the history and roots, the true price of freedom, makes me appreciate my heritage even more. Here’s a quick history lesson on this monumental holiday, and why it’s such a cause to throw a fuss and plan a fabulous Juneteenth party!
Why We Celebrate (and why you should too)
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It originated on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved individuals were free. This news came more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Today, it is celebrated with parades, gatherings, educational events, and reflections on the African American experience and contributions to American society. It has gained increased recognition and support, and officially became a federal holiday in 2021!
Your Juneteenth Party Menu
The focus here is tradition, heritage and African American influence. Set the scene with your favorite family recipes and traditional African American fare that speaks to your soul. You can serve food family style or a simple buffet, with clear markers on what the dish your guests will be enjoying is.
An ideal Juneteenth party menu would include a mix of the following
- Starters / Appetizers: Deviled eggs, Johnny cakes, ham and cheese biscuits
- Main Course: Pork round, fried chicken, BBQ ribs
- Veggie Side Dishes: Black eyed peas, collard greens
- Starch Side Dishes: Baked mac and cheese, Pigeon peas and rice,
- Dessert Options: Red velvet cake, carrot cake or pound cake.
- Beverages: Sweet tea, Peach tea, Old fashioned featuring Uncle Nearest whiskey for the grown ups
Throwing together a quick menu on canva to have on place settings or have a large one printed (wedding style) by your buffet would be an ideal way to show your guests exactly what you’re serving up. Bonus points if you add a little history about each dish, or the ones you want to highlight!
You can make your menu soulful, coastal, cajun or creole! For some delicious menu ideas from world class African American chefs, check out this blog by Black Southern Belle: Juneteenth Menu Inspiration from South Carolina Chefs.
Juneteenth Party Jams
After you’ve got your Juneteenth party menu underway, its time to set the ambiance! I always like to start with music and the playlist below really fits the vibe. Its cookout-soulful-summertime goodness that will have you breaking into a line dance with some of your favorite folks, celebrating our freedoms as people.
Shoutout to whoever made this glorious playlist on Spotify, it has over 400 classics and they’re good y’all! Music is such an important part of the African American experience, its how we express joy, pain, hope, and so much more. Infusing your party with the right soundtrack is going to be key to throwing the best shindig.
Juneteenth Party Picks
When you google “Juneteenth Party Supplies” you’re going to see a lot of reds, blacks, greens and yellows. I like to borrow inspiration from that color palette, and challenge myself to select upgraded yet sustainable options I can enjoy year round.
I’ve hand selected a few decor, hosting, flatware and drinkware items that will be a for sure hit to elevate your party and leave your guests asking girl where’d you get this?
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The flatware and enamel dutch oven aren’t linked, but you can shop the flatware here and the dutch oven here!
Attending a Juneteenth Party
If you’ve been invited to a Juneteenth celebration, it’s truly an honor. If you’re not of African American heritage, be sure to read up on the history, be a good guest and enjoy in the festivities. If you’re looking for a brush up on your party guest etiquette, give this blog a read!
Planning a Juneteenth party doesn’t have to be hectic or stressful and with these tips plus my inspirational ideas, you’ll be partying away and celebrating freedom before you know it!
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