How to Hold a Juneteenth Picnic
On June nineteenth, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas finally learned that they had been set free by the Emancipation Proclamation. A state holiday in Texas, and an important event in African-American history, Juneteenth, as it came to be called, commemorates the good news that freedom had finally come. Here is how to hold a Juneteenth picnic.
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Things You'll Need
- A site near a river or creek with enough space for barbecue, games, a dance, and seating for all.
- Strawberry soda
- Speeches by elders of the community
- Educational activities such as historical reenactments, dances, and poetry readings
Instructions
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No one really knows why, but strawberry soda and barbecue are to a Juneteenth celebration what hotdogs and apple pie are to a baseball game. Prior to June 19th, 1965, slaves in Galveston, Texas had no idea that they had been set free. When they learned of this wondrous act, many set out immediately for the North, or to neighboring states to find lost relatives. A festival atmosphere had slaves removing tattered clothing to replace it with finer clothes, cooking in common whatever they had to share, and celebrating the triumph of surviving and living to draw free breath.
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Many slaves did not know their heritage, having grown up without learning to read, write, or count. Juneteenth celebrations became a way to pass on old stories from Africa and from the early days of the plantation era, exchange survival tips, and get leads on possible locations of lost family members.
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Juneteenth eventually became a state holiday in Texas. It remained a popular celebration until the public school movement began focusing attention on the actual date of the Emancipation Proclamation rather than on the day slaves finally received the news. The school calender ends far earlier in June, making it even less likely to be celebrated or commemorated in school.
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Juneteenth is a time to strengthen and renew ones ties with family, and with the larger community, and to educate others about the importance of knowledge in gaining and maintaining one's freedom.
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Choose a site near a creek or river, with enough space for activities. Baseball games, barbecue, speeches, dances, and even baptisms are common at Juneteenth celebrations.The eldest person in the community opens the celebration by giving a speech detailing the history of the community and the role of African- American citizens in it. Serve dishes with an African theme. Have children give reports on ingredients used to make each dish, the country the food represents, and why it is important for good nutrition.Make a memory banner. Have each person present, beginning with the eldest, write down a memory that makes them feel free.Write and recite poetry.Create and perform dances that celebrate freedom.Thank the elders of the community for working so hard to keep memories alive.
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