What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. June 19, 1865, is significant because it was the date Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the U.S. Civil War had ended and the enslaved were free. This event occurred almost two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Since this was the first time many enslaved people knew they were free, Juneteenth is also sometimes referred to as “Freedom Day.”

Modern Celebrations

Today the holiday celebrations take place in many ways, from picnics to backyard family gatherings to larger-scale parades. One unifying feature of Juneteenth celebrations is centered around eating together. Red foods are an important staple at Juneteenth gatherings, symbolizing the blood and resilience of enslaved people. Hibiscus tea, strawberry pop, red velvet cake, watermelon, and fruit cobblers are eaten along with plenty of barbecue.

This weekend at Seward Co-op, you can join Addie DeMery for a virtual class celebrating Juneteenth with BBQ dishes and sides that everyone can enjoy. We’ll be making burgers and kebobs, with both meat and vegetarian options. Addie will also give a brief history of what Juneteenth is, the importance of the date, and how she celebrates the holiday. Register here.

The Legacy of Juneteenth and Importance of Black Liberation in Our Co-op

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate Black freedom. At Seward Co-op, we recognize that Juneteenth can also be a time to acknowledge the ways that the liberation of Black people in America continues to be delayed by systemic oppression. Seward Co-op’s diversity, equity, and inclusion journey began seven years ago when we announced our intention to build the Friendship store in the Bryant neighborhood, a historically African American community. The community had valid concerns about hiring practices and product selection that would reflect the neighborhood’s diversity. These conversations were a humbling experience and revealed opportunities for Seward Co-op to shift and adapt–and our work continues. New in 2021, staff voted to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. This means hourly staff is paid time-and-a-half if we work this day.

We are proud to stock products from Black-owned businesses such as Zambezi Kitchen spice mixes, Safésha body care products, baked goods from Love You, Cookie!, and author Bridget Riddley. In a state with predominantly white farmers – roughly 99-percent – we are excited to introduce Live Organically, a Black-woman-owned farm. Seward Co-op is always looking to source from BIPOC-owned farmers and vendors. Please support these local producers year-round!

Though the legal end of enslavement ended with the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth is a reminder that systems of power and abuse can continue to proliferate for years, decades, and even centuries. It is important to us at Seward Co-op to acknowledge the commemorations of these pushes towards justice and carry that energy into the present and future. None of us are free until we are all free. To join in strengthening our commitment to justice, please attend our Art + Abolition event on June 24, either online or in person. More details and registration can be found here.