by Yvette Beauchamp-Grace, M. Ed.

I only learned about Juneteenth as a college student. More recently, I discovered that there were symbolic foods associated with the celebration. The red foods and beverages represent sacrifice, power and transition.  Red was represented in theHibiscus tea, barbecued meat with a red barbecue sauce, red beans and rice, red velvet cake, strawberry drink or red Kool Aid and watermelon (which happened to be in season). These foods along with cornbread, Southern tea cakes, greens, sweet potatoes and baked macaroni and cheese have become the traditional fare. In the article “Juneteenth and Barbecue” by Daniel Vaughn, Vaughn states that whole communities would gather around a barbecue pit in the post-Civil War era to celebrate Juneteenth.

My recipe for Southern Tea Cakes

The Reason for the Season

Juneteenth, as a shiny new federal holiday, threatens to remind us all that no holiday is safe from becoming a reason to come together for a great day . . . at the mall. However, what should we as descendants of stolen Africans commemorate and celebrate on June 19th?

Could we perhaps use the day to share information about our current progress in the areas of finance, homeownership, literacy, professional and graduate degrees earned? Could we count the number of Black-owned banks, sports teams, institutions of higher learning and Black-owned investment firms? Maybe we could celebrate our decreasing incidences of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and suicide. Could it be a time to measure the exercise of social justice, or lack thereof, and continues to call for policies that will address the tragedies of George Floyd, Tamir Rice, Michelle Cusseaux?

They say, you can manage what you cannot measure. If that is so, then we should first begin with a measurement.

Checklist to Start Now

Next year will mark 160 years since Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. One hundred and sixty years, or 21 generations.  This year, according to Research.com, 452,760 African Americans graduated from college, with the largest group graduated from Howard University. What’s our target for next year?

Next year, let’s look at ways to take a look at our progress in terms of economic empowerment, literacy, academic achievement, financial solvency, homeownership, voting participation, lower incarceration and recidivism, social justice and policies legislated to promote safety, growth and prosperity in our communities. We can make our wellness a personal goal thus reducing the numbers of African Americans who perish from chronic diseases that stem from poor diet and inadequate health practices. This annual report card and celebration can further serve as a catalyst for specific actions towards reducing chronic diseases and building an academic and financial legacy within the community.

Beyond only honoring freedom, Juneteenth may also serve as a potent reminder of the progress that has been made and the ongoing efforts required to secure the prosperity and well-being of African Americans. This is especially true when it comes to voting, social justice, and health. Juneteenth may leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and advancement via group effort and unwavering dedication

The 400 years of slavery that God’s people endured in Egypt are instructive for us today. Slavery itself can be an object lesson about the slavery to sin that human beings endure daily. We are constantly bombarded with the insults and injuries of this world’s pharaoh, the devil, who would rather endure God’s retribution than let us be free from spiritual slavery.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the exodus from Egypt is that the Lord did not give up on the process of liberating Israel because of Pharaoh’s insolence. God did not even allow the people’s complaints in the wilderness to intimidate Him into leaving them in captivity. The Red Sea, royal armies, and impossible odds were no match for God. His purpose was to show the world that all things are possible with Him. He wanted His people to know that He would deliver them by any means necessary.

Your Deliverance Has Come

Are you bogged down with the unfortunate reality of bondage to sin? Does it seem that the Lord has brought you to a desert to die? Do you often feel that it was better when you served sin in your spiritual Egypt? The Lord is saying to your soul, “I have brought you out of bondage for a purpose.” You see, God did not go through all of the twists and turns of leading the exodus only to allow the people to wither and die. The Promised Land was in view. If they had been faithful to Him, in His strength, they all would have entered.

When the temptation comes to believe the struggle with sin is too difficult to bear, look up to heaven and reach out in faith to your Divine Deliverer. Look upon Jesus and live, knowing that that ole serpent, the devil, cannot harm you with his deadly venom if God is on your side. Look to Jesus and live! Have faith. God will bring you out!

“I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2).