Celebrate the First Taste of Juneteenth New England
Try Haitian, Jamaican, Southern and African foods at the first-ever event on the statewide holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Taste of Juneteenth New England takes place at Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
Juneteenth, June 19th, is now a statewide holiday. Many businesses and companies have given their staffs the day off for the holiday that cerebrates the country’s second independence day, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The Rhode Island Monthly team has the day off, and we came up with a great list of ways we will be spending the day.
However, one of these Juneteenth events is a first-ever celebration with compassionate organizations coming together to assist in celebrating it in an uplifting way. Hope & Main is working with Juneteenth RI and the Muse Foundation of RI, who selected Hope & Main as a partner, along with AFReats, to showcase local Black-owned food businesses in the first Taste of Juneteenth New England. This event is happening all with the support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI. Juneteenth RI’s mission is to collectively celebrate African American liberations, accomplishments and contributions through education, effective communication, inner strength and endurance through observance of Juneteenth.
The Taste of Juneteenth New England will explore the foodways of the local, Black culinary community on Wednesday, June 19 from Noon to 4 p.m. at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Local chefs, makers and artisans are coming together to celebrate the vibrant and flavorful traditions of the African Diaspora. “We established this event on the Juneteenth holiday to provide economic opportunity for Black-owned businesses on a day when Rhode Islanders will be looking for ways to honor and support Black creators,” says the Founder and Executive Director of MUSE Foundation of RI Juan Wilson.
Guetty Antiste of the Empanada Assassin.
Guests will get to try all kinds of culinary specialties from diverse cultural backgrounds in the Black community, including Haitian-style empanadas from the Empanada Assassin; Jamaican patties and rice bowls from Ja Patty; classic southern and soul food from Kin Southern Table & Bar; hibiscus fruit spreads and sparkling drinks from Kassumay, and pit-smoked barbecue and scratch-made sides from Bugg’d Out BBQ.
There will be live music, spoken word performances, engaging food demonstrations and a panel discussion led by AFReats that delves into the cultural significance of various preparations of black-eyed peas. The presentation will discuss the historical roots and culinary importance of black eyed peas through the voices of three local chefs. “Black eyed peas are central to African American tradition, and beyond their culinary significance, represent resilience and community, reflecting the enduring spirit of our culture,” says Guetty Antiste of AFReats, who also owns the Empanada Assassin.
Taste of Juneteenth New England is free and open to the public. All those who register to attend the event are eligible for a door prize. For more information about the event and how to participate, visit tasteofjuneteenthne.com.
Juneteenth celebration. Photo by Justin Case.
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