Celebrate America's Other Independence Day

Joy Johnson, event director and owner of A Joyous Event Planning & Management, LLC, can never forget first hearing about Juneteenth just three years ago. She was born in Mississippi and grew up in an African-American family in Chicago, yet never learned in school about the pivotal day on June 19, 1865, that brought freedom to all those enslaved. It's now her passion to educate others about Juneteenth, a day many African-Americans consider their own Independence Day. Here are her insights on a day that set America on a brand-new course-and yet not everyone knows about.

A step back in history.

Dating back to 1865, June 19th-or Juneteenth as it's now called-is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery in America. Juneteenth's roots lie in Galveston, Texas, where Union soldiers arrived on June 19, 1865, to announce the war's end and freedom of all those enslaved. Today, Juneteenth is an annual celebration beyond Texas and throughout America.

Good fun, great food and all that jazz.

Juneteenth is a time that African-Americans gather together with family and friends to commemorate our heritage, history and achievements. It's hard to believe we've come so far-from slavery to the presidency. Across the country, celebrations include barbecues, parades, rodeos and baseball. It's a great time to invite a beloved elder and great storyteller in the family to share stories of an ancestor's journey from slavery to freedom. Of course, music is an important part of many Juneteenth festivities, with blues, jazz and soulful gospel songs such as "Amazing Grace."

Favorite Juneteenth seasonal foods and beverages include strawberry soda pop, strawberry lemonade punch and barbecue. We love to share in the spirit and flavors that our ancestors, newly freed African-Americans, enjoyed during the earliest Juneteenth festivities. The barbecue pit commands the center of attention at many Juneteenth picnics, where lamb, pork and beef are served-especially brisket and ribs. My favorite Juneteenth desserts are jelly cakes-just like my grandmother used to make.

It's catching on.

It makes me feel proud to see how Juneteenth continues to enjoy a growing interest from communities and organizations around the country. The Smithsonian, Henry Ford Museum and others have begun sponsoring Juneteenth events.

Galveston, Texas, the birthplace of Juneteenth, holds a series of celebrations over a several-day period in June. Other cities across America with Juneteenth celebrations include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and many others.

As an event director, I'm brimming with ideas on how you can throw a wonderful-and meaningful-Juneteenth celebration. Be sure to read my CherylStyle blog, "Get Your Juneteenth Barbecue On!" at www.CherylStyle.com to learn all the details.