The History and Taste of Juneteenth

Pickled watermelon rind, recipe below

Been doing a serious on African American festivals and food this week (see earlier post on festivals in early America). Tomorrow is Juneteenth so today's story seem appropriate. On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, General Gordon Granger declared all slaves free 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. “Juneteenth” (a mixture of June and nineteen) began thereafter in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma with parades and festivals. The celebration spread with the migration of African-Americans from these states. During the Depression celebrations declined but the Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the 1960s and 70s revitalized the holiday in African American communities. Black history, educating people about African American contributions, and agitating for the advancement of African American needs (and sometimes for reparations) serves as the reason for the holiday, but down home cooking has attracted large crowds too. In addition to Texas style barbecue and soul food there is generally plenty of Texas strawberry soda and Texas chocolate cake (recipe below) for sale. Here are two recipes that give you a taste of Juneteenth:

Pickled watermelon rind recipe: http://www.goodbyecitylife.com/cooking/watermelon/

Texas chocolate cake: http://emr.cs.iit.edu/~reingold/ruths-kitchen/recipes/desserts/texscake.html