It’s hard to believe it’s been almost a month since Juneteenth. As a Black American, my relationship with the holiday is unique for a myriad of reasons, namely the significance of honoring my ancestors who were held in bondage against their will. In recent years, my celebration of the holiday has included planning commemorative events with others and resting to honor my ancestors who were deprived of such a basic human right. While there’s nothing wrong with these past participative efforts, I wanted to try something new this year. I wanted to lean into Black joy, culminating in a two-week tour around the country in search of this joy in multiple locations. My Juneteenth celebrations actually started in New Orleans at the Afro Freedom Afro Feast a few days prior.
Afro Freedom Afro Feast
Bahamian-style lime marinated grilled snapper with sautéed pickled vegetables yucca fries
Plant-based island curry with tofu, cilantro, and potatoes
Disney Lookout Cay Spiced Rotisserie Chicken marinated with bay leaves, onion, sweet pepper, lime, thyme, and goat pepper with grilled pineapple and black bean salad
Grilled cheeseburger on a brioche bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, red onion, tomatoes, and pickles with french fries with American coleslaw
Grilled BBQ ribs with smoky BBQ sauce, grilled corn, and yucca fries
Eleuthera Euphoria, Disney Lookout Cay’s signature cocktail made with premium aged rum, pineapple smoothie, and DOLE Whip
The annual event, presented by Dakar NOLA, not only celebrated this pivotal milestone in Black-American culture but also its third anniversary. This communal feast provided an opportunity to learn more about the work of prominent chefs. I had the chance to experience the culinary creations of several folks, including Chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and BABs, Chef Charly Pierre of the Haitian restaurant Fritai in Treme, Chef Martha Wiggins of Café Reconcile, Chef Prince Lobo of the Ethiopian restaurant Addis NOLA. While their contributions were deliciously satisfying, the greatest part of the event was the communal bonding. I had the opportunity to build relationships with many attendees. Whether bonding with other journalists over the sheer chaos of the media industry or organizing impromptu photoshoots of some of the beautiful women in attendance, I had an incredible time. While this may have been the focal part of the weekend, I also enjoyed getting to savor some of the Crescent City’s famous attractions, including a stop at Dooky Chase to try its world-famous cuisine, touring the historical Dew Drop Inn, and learning about the many Black icons who’ve patronized both establishments. While New Orleans gave me a glimpse of my past, the next leg of this two-week excursion was focused on my present — thanks to New York City, Harlem to be exact.
For me, it was essential to experience Juneteenth in different regions because, as we continue to see, Blackness is not a monolith. I wanted to experience the varieties of our sacred culture through the lens of Juneteenth, and for me, that meant being surrounded by not only my people but also my friends. I had the privilege of staying at one of the most fabulous hotels I’ve ever been to, the Aloft Harlem. I’m not only singing the hotel’s praises because of its beautiful architecture but also because it is located in the heart of Harlem, a neighborhood full of culture and vibrancy. The location provided the perfect homebase for me to explore this neighborhood with deep historical roots, in an enclave that is central to many of my adventures while there.
Butterfly Switcha, a specialty mocktail made with lemonade, butterfly pea jasmine green tea, and a sprinkle of blue edible glitter
Bahama Brew, a cold-brew coffee blended with Hawaiian island syrup and finished with a coconut-flavored soft whipped topping
After exploring the beautiful neighborhood, my exploration took me to a number of other places. I had the opportunity to link up with some of my dear friends in what I’d like to call our Sex and the City night of adventures. We started the night at this luxurious art gallery opening at 52 Walker, followed by a tour of another fabulous art gallery called Storage. After nourishing our appetites with exciting food choices at Ruby’s Cafe, we ended the evening at the most fabulous nightclub I’ve ever been to – Harlem’s own Lambda Lounge. This may sound like a typical night for many New Yorkers, but it was pure bliss for me. I got to explore a new location and did it with my friends who’ve become my family. And for me, that is what Juneteenth is about.
