The time has finally come ... Juneteenth is a national holiday. It's a big part of Texas history. Juneteenth is historically the celebration that falls on the day in 1865 Texans were told by Union troops that the Civil War had ended and all the slaves were freed. The Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1, 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln came 2 1/2 years earlier than the announcement to Texas.
Last year Austin made Juneteenth an official city holiday, and yesterday (6/17/21) Juneteenth officially became a national holiday.
Juneteenth celebrations will be happening all across the country including several long standing celebrations in the Austin area. Parades, festivals, fireworks. Although I recently learned something new ... Red Velvet Cake became part of the Juneteenth celebration in the 20th Century. Earlier beets created the red cake color until a Texas company's red food coloring, Adam's Extract, put the vibrant red color into the Red Velvet Cake. These days it's not uncommon to see a yummy Red Velvet Cake included in a Juneteenth celebration menu.
Rosie Mayes, a cookbook author, has a cookbook out called I Heart Soul Food. It includes her moist, vibrant Red Velvet Cake recipe. Grab the recipe and more Juneteenth related history. Learning, understanding and bringing communities together with the yummy power of cake. Social Justice for all.
Find out where to celebrate Juneteenth 2021 in the Austin area.