Fables of Faubus

 

Today is Juneteenth, which is a holiday that should be more widely recognized. It is a celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery. It is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. On this day in 1865, word reached one of the final bastions of the south that slavery was abolished. The Union army landed in Galveston, TX and met with flaccid resistance by the Confederacy.  

Traditionally, celebrations included public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, parades, rodeos and street fairs. It was also a chance to exorcise the phantoms of slavery, with families reuniting. While slavery was practiced, families were broken up and sold, and following the end of it, many sought to reunite. Juneteenth was an opportunity for many reunions. During the mid part of the twentieth century, the celebration of Juneteenth fell out of favor, with a resurgence in the last 25 years. In 1994, two pastors in New Orleans started the modern Juneteenth movement. Today, 41 states recognize it as a holiday. In addition, June has been declared Black Music Month, and there are a series of concerts and festivals featuring jazz musicians throughout the country to educate and entertain. The Utah Juneteenth celebration in Ogden, Utah features gospel choirs, jazz and blues musicians as well as hip hop and rap, in addition to agile double dutchers and drill teams.

Fashion also was a focal point of the celebrations. Prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, there were laws limiting how the slaves were allowed to dress, so freedom also meant freedom in clothing choices. Today, many celebrations nationwide feature fashion shows and pageants.

Foods also play a big part in the celebrations, with strawberry soda and BBQ being two traditional foods.

Strawberry Soda

2 c strawberries, chopped

2 c sugar

2 c water

1 bottle sparkling water

Ice

 

Make a simple syrup with sugar and water, add strawberries. Stir over low heat for 10 minutes until well combined. Mix with the sparkling water in a pitcher, pour over ice.

 

BBQ Pork sandwiches

1 pork roast

1 c root beer

1 bottle BBQ sauce

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp red pepper flakes

 

Place ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on low for 10 hours. Shred pork and serve on buns.