Have you heard of the holiday, Juneteenth? It stands for June 19, but it’s actually intended to stand for Emancipation Day and Freedom Day. It is the oldest African-American observance in the , established to celebrate freedom from slavery. This inspiring holiday has since expanded to also focus on African-American history as well as cultural diversity.

History tells that although Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 1863, slaves in Texas didn’t get the news until Juneteenth—two and half years later when (Union) General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and enforce the Proclamation.

Today, Juneteenth is enjoying a phenomenal growth rate within communities and organizations throughout the country. Institutions such as the Smithsonian, the  and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth-centered activities. In recent years, a number of local and national Juneteenth organizations have arisen to take their place along side older organizations - all with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.

While this special day focuses on African American freedom and achievement, it has evolved to encourage continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing.

More and more cities and states are creating Juneteenth committees and more and more neighborhoods are gathering for their own unofficial celebrations. It’s exciting to see it. Getting involved and supporting Juneteenth celebrations creates new bonds of friendship and understanding among us. This indeed, brightens our future - and that is the spirit of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth is celebrated in a variety of ways across the country, but the festivities are usually marked by worship services, dancing, singing, parades (note the 1900 photo of a parade entrant in a parade), and the consumption of delicious foods.

And when it comes to the food, do we know how to celebrate, or what? This holiday is built around all things barbecue, for sure. But don’t forget the smothered chicken, cooked greens, and loads of red desserts and beverages (such as red velvet cake and strawberry soda).

On the website American Food Roots (www.americanfoodroots.com), you can read all about how celebrates Juneteenth with food and family. And this fun site includes recipes for all sorts of celebrations. For instance, traditional recipes for a Juneteenth gathering would include:

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Calypso Corn and Black Bean Salad

Grilled Greens. Dark, leafy greens are packed with antioxidants, are so good for the body, and are so appropriate for a Juneteenth party. They're simply delicious and fit right in at any barbecue. This is an easy way to serve up a Juneteenth tradition.

GRILLED GREENS

7 cups tightly packed, trimmed, fresh spinach (OR kale, collard greens, turnip greens or a mixture of all)

1 cup purple cabbage, shredded

4 tablespoons water

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 red bell pepper, seeded, ribs removed, and thinly sliced

1 yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1. Heat the grill.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the greens, red cabbage, water, oil, vinegar, garlic, bell pepper, onion, salt, sugar and cayenne pepper. Place two 24-inch pieces of heavy-duty foil on top of each other and mound the seasoned greens in the center. Bring up two sides of the foil to meet in the center, pressing the edges together and then folding the foil over twice to make two half-inch folds. Allow room for the packet to fill with steam and expand. Fold the edges of each end together twice to make two half-inch folds. Press the edges together to seal.

3. Place the packet on the grill and grill for 10 to 12 minutes. Using oven mitts to protect your hands, remove the packet from the grill and open it carefully away from your face, allowing the hot steam to escape. The greens should be wilted and cooked through.

And let’s not forget those red desserts. Betty Crocker’s website has a slew of Juneteenth recipes, but one that got my attention was for a strawberry dessert. Bright red strawberries are a perfect go-to for a celebration dessert. It’s called the Strawberry and Banana Split Tart. This quick and easy dessert and takes about 20 minutes to prep and about an hour to set up.

So whether your community has a formal Juneteenth celebration or not, let’s gather family and friends and have our own. It’s a fantastic holiday with so much possibility! Happy Juneteenth!

STRAWBERRY AND BANANA SPLIT TART (serve 16)

1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

2 containers (6 ounces each) vanilla yogurt

2 bananas, sliced

1 can (21 ounces) strawberry pie filling with more

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

Heat oven to 375°F. Unroll 1 pie crust on center of ungreased large cookie sheet. Unroll second pie crust and place over first crust, matching edges and pressing to seal. With rolling pin, roll into 14-inch round.

Fold 1/2 inch of crust edge under, forming border; press to seal seam (if desired, flute edge). Prick crust generously with fork.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Spread 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate chips evenly over cooled baked crust. Spread yogurt over chocolate. Arrange banana slices on top of yogurt. Spread pie filling evenly over top. Arrange strawberries over pie filling. Drizzle remaining melted chocolate over top. Cut into wedges and serve. Cover and refrigerate any remaining tart.

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