Ways Your Family Can Celebrate (or Learn!) About Juneteenth

Although there may not be as many parades and gatherings this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Juneteenth at home.

• Create a Pan-African flag. Little kids can get busy creating their own versions of the traditional Pan-African flag using pieces of green, red, and black construction paper or break out the magic markers.
• Have the kids help make a meal. Cooking and eating a meal together is a traditional part of any Juneteenth celebration. Historically, eating red foods is an important way to commemorate those who were enslaved. "The practice of eating red foods — red cake, barbecue, punch and fruit – may owe its existence to the enslaved Yoruba and Kongo brought to Texas in the 19th century," writes Michael Twitty in his blog Afroculinaria. "For both of these cultures the colour red is the embodiment of spiritual power and transformation."
• Take time to reflect. Have an open discussion with your children or have them sit quietly for a few moments to think about why Juneteenth is important.