The 20 Best Vegan Desserts, Drinks, Mains & Sides Recipe’s to Celebrate Juneteenth.
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What Is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth is a celebration of the freedom of African-American slaves. A day to honor and acknowledge the history of African Americans in the United States; also called Freedom Day, it’s celebrated with parades, festivals and communing with food and drinks. The holiday, observed on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas; learned of their freedom, which had been declared in the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln.
Who Is The Grandmother Of Juneteenth?
Opal Lee is the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" she was inspired by her childhood experience when her home was set on fire by white rioters on Juneteenth in 1939. This early exposure fueled her lifelong dedication to raising awareness about Juneteenth's significance and advocating for its recognition as a national holiday. In 2021, Ms.Lee sat in the front row as President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
What Are The Traditional Foods For Juneteenth?
The holiday of Juneteenth is rich with symbolism.
While celebrations can differ regionally; two themes are common for all: red items like drinks and desserts; as well as prosperity foods.
Red foods are the most prominent on the Juneteenth menu. Red soda, punch, hibiscus tea, red velvet cake, red beans and rice, hot sauce, fruits (strawberry, watermelon).
History offers several explanations but the red of watermelon, hibiscus and strawberries are said to symbolize strength, spiritual power and transformation.
Prosperity foods often eaten on New Year’s Day are foods like: cornbread, collard greens, cabbage, black-eyed peas and sweet potatoes. Greens and black eyed peas symbolize prosperity.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Of course because they’re delicious to eat but also because food is a way to honor and celebrate family and culture. These recipes are a way to remember and enjoy the contributions of African American cuisine in the United States. For even more mouthwatering ways to celebrate the holiday be sure to visit our list of the best Black cookbooks filled with Southern favorites made plant-based.
Drinks
Watermelon and Strawberries are stars on Juneteenth. In addition to their red color they are in season and summer’s sweetest produce.
Appetizers
Desserts
Red Velvet cake and Strawberry Shortcake are classic southern comfort desserts. Hibiscus also known as sorrel in parts of Africa, hibiscus is a traditional flavor for the red desserts and drinks you’ll see on the day.
![Delicious Strawberry Shortcake [Gluten-free, Dairy-Free & Vegan]](https://www.thevgnway.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/529D7AC0-07F4-40A0-A093-40EDE8FEB505.jpeg)
Sides & Dinners
If you’re from the south then you’re very familiar with the long held tradition of eating prosperity foods to bring in the New Year. These foods are also enjoy during the Juneteenth holiday. Black-eyed peas and collard greens are associated with bringing in good luck and wealth.
Related Vegan Soul Food Recipes & Cookbooks
✨Did you try any of these Vegan Juneteenth recipes? Please let us know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram @vgnway.
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