7 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Kids
Have fun with the whole family with recipes, books, history and more.
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Often referred to as the "second Independence Day," Juneteenth is rich with history. It's a day that many spend enjoying cultural foods and drinks, and it serves as a time for Black Americans to reflect on our fight for freedom and remember once-forgotten Black figures that paved the way for where we are today.
Though Black Americans in the South have long since celebrated Juneteenth with a widespread "prosperity" menu that includes iconic dishes such as red velvet cake, watermelon salads, red drinks, collard greens and more, the 2021 move to make the Juneteenth a federal holiday has sparked nationwide interest. Now more people find ways to observe, celebrate and show appreciation.
While the length of the Juneteenth celebration is determined by where you’re located (some celebrate on the actual day, while others do so for a week or even the entire month), if you celebrate with family, you’re probably looking for ways to include the kids in your life. We’ve tapped seven tastemakers in the Black food industry for their best ideas on how to celebrate this monumental holiday with even the smallest little ones.
Chauniqua Major, CEO of Major’s Project Pop
"I love celebrating Juneteenth with kids by combining food, education, and reflection. To start, consider hosting a Juneteenth lunch featuring in-season fruits like watermelon and strawberries, which serve as a reminder of the lives of enslaved Africans who were lost. For education, visit a local Black history museum or take a virtual tour of an exhibit using the National Museum of African American History & Culture website. Then, take time to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth by reading a powerful poem together, such as Maya Angelou's 'Still I Rise,' or have a family conversation about what freedom means to each of you. Whatever activities you choose, make sure they are age-appropriate and meaningful for your kids, helping them develop a deeper appreciation of this important holiday."
Sevarrest Allen, Celebrity Chef
"I plan on cooking a Juneteenth feast with my kids that focuses on foods with red hues, due to the color being a symbol of ingenuity and resilience. To me, it’s important to bring children into the process for this because it’s great to have conversations about the why for each part of the meal. This is a great activity to spend time with your children, but also serves as an opportunity to educate them of the past, too."
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Danie Abraham, Celebrity Chef
"With Juneteenth now being a federal holiday, it’s the perfect day for creating new memories with your children by making recipes together that connect the history and traditions of what this day means. This will ensure the conversation of importance and richness of the day that further united our country."
Chef JJ Johnson, Chef and Author
"When cooking with your kids, it’s a vehicle to help teach history. For this Juneteenth, making Red Water Ice (which incorporates the red for Juneteenth and the popular version of Italian ice enjoyed in Philadelphia) paired with a talk about its significance is a great activity for adults and kids alike."
Tiffanie Barriere, Master Mixologist
"Juneteenth is a joyous day to celebrate freedom with family, friends, and delicious food! It’s a time to remember the end of slavery in the United States and enjoy tasty red treats like barbecue, juice, and sweet desserts. Books like Juneteenth for Mazie, All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom, and A Flag for Juneteenth are all age-appropriate books to read together to discover the meaning behind the day, too. Other fun activities that parents can do with their kids include drawing or coloring the Juneteenth flag, making red dishes like red velvet cake or cookies, makeing hibiscus tea, or planting a tree to signify new growth."
Dr. Lauren Powell, Family Physician and TV Host
"As we celebrate Juneteenth, it's a wonderful opportunity to engage with our children in activities that blend education, culture, and the joy of cooking. Try cooking an authentic child-friendly dish, like Sweet Potato Biscuits. While cooking, share stories about the significance of Juneteenth and how African American culinary traditions have shaped American cuisine. This not only teaches them valuable cooking skills, but also provides a historical contex.
You could also a trip to a local garden or farmers market to discuss the importance of food and gardening in Black culture — from the agricultural practices of African ancestors to the role of community gardens in urban neighborhoods today. This visit can be a hands-on lesson about the origins of the foods we eat and the importance of supporting local farmers."
Kelli Ferrell, Restaurateur and Real Housewives of Atlanta Cast Member
"Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Of course, I love cooking with my four daughters, so that’ll be my main go-to. We prepare red foods that symbolize the power and sacrifice that our ancestors had to endure. This includes red velvet cake, watermelon salad, and barbecue chicken. My girls also love drawing and making things. So, this year, we plan on crafting an art projector that represents Juneteenth. We will create the Juneteenth Pan-American flag. This is a fun activity that allows my girls to be creative, while also giving us the space to discuss Juneteenth and its importance to our community as a whole."
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