On June 19, 1865, over 250,000 unjustly enslaved people in Texas were finally freed – two and a half years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we mark this pivotal moment in history on Juneteenth, the oldest national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S.—a celebration of freedom that represents an opportunity to recognize and uplift the invaluable contributions of the Black community.
Our industry is no exception: The plant-based food movement has been undeniably shaped and powered by the Black community. As a PBFA board member and founder of Something Better Foods, GW Chew shared in a perspective piece, “This movement has been largely influenced by Black educators, social media influencers, hip-hop entertainers, athletes, and a sub-culture of Black vegan restaurants in most major cities throughout the country. Most recent findings show that African Americans are paving the way as it relates to the adoption of a plant-based lifestyle, with new adopters at more than 8%, exceeding double the average.”
As we celebrate this day, it is also vital that we reflect, as an organization and a broader society, on the ways we can all play active roles in dismantling systems of oppression that prevail here in the U.S.—many of which can be traced back to and are rooted in the very institution that ended on Juneteenth: Slavery. As an organization that seeks to drive change within our food system, PBFA strives to instill principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice into all we do. While there is still much work to be done, we remain committed to empowering Black farmers and food business owners, shining a light on environmental and food justice issues, and adapting and listening to the needs of our BIMPOC community members to better champion and elevate their perspectives and work.
There is so much joy to be witnessed and shared on this day, and we hope you take the time to gain further understanding of Juneteenth’s history, symbolism, and legacy via the resources we’ve curated below and consider ways you can take action today, and every day after, to support the Black community.
Resources to learn more about the history and commemoration of Juneteenth:
- The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth
- The History of Juneteenth
- 5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in 2022, including Black-owned brands to support, causes to donate to, and destinations to visit
- How companies and individuals can use Juneteenth to practice active allyship (5 min read)
- Juneteenth and Workplace Diversity & Inclusion
- Juneteenth Is a Reminder That Freedom Wasn’t Just Handed Over
- 10 black LGBTQ leaders to know Juneteenth and Pride month
- Juneteenth Celebrated With Official U.S. Launch of African American Culinary Heritage Plant-Based Cooking Class Series
- Vegan Summer Recipes that are Perfect for Your Juneteenth Celebration
- Black-Owned Vegan and Vegan-Friendly Nationwide Restaurant Directory
- Support Black Owned Businesses in Your Area
Videos:
- What is Juneteenth (1:22min)
- The Difference Between Being “Not Racist” and Anti-Racist (not Juneteenth specific)
- Black chefs on the Tradition of Juneteenth and Need for Diversity in the Food Industry
Documentaries/TV specials to consider watching: (not Juneteenth-specific):
- High on the Hog
- Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer
- 21 Black Documentaries That Educate, Entertain and Inspire
- 13th
- Now Streaming: Over 100 Years of Black Defiance at the Movies
Podcasts:
100 Best Black Podcasts (not Juneteenth specific)
Upcoming Events:
For events in your area, search Google for “Juneteenth celebrations near me”