This year's Juneteenth celebration promises to be a powerful and joyful tribute to freedom, resilience, and cultural heritage. Communities across the country are gathering to honor the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their emancipation — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The festivities will feature music, parades, educational events, and gatherings that reflect on the journey toward equality while celebrating the strength and contributions of Black Americans. Juneteenth is not only a time for remembrance but also a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and unity.
Food has always been a centerpiece of Juneteenth celebrations, symbolizing both the struggle and the joy of freedom. This year, dessert recipes are taking center stage, adding sweetness to the day’s festivities. From vibrant red velvet cakes and strawberry cobblers — representing resilience and the blood shed by ancestors — to classic soul food treats like peach cobbler and sweet potato pie, families are embracing recipes passed down through generations. New twists on traditional desserts are also gaining popularity, blending African, Southern, and modern flavors to honor the past while inspiring future celebrations. Sharing these desserts becomes more than a treat; it’s a way to connect with history and each other.
Juneteenth’s history is rich and layered, deeply tied to the legacy of slavery and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Originating in Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived to announce the end of slavery — long after it was legally abolished — the day became a powerful symbol of delayed but undeniable freedom. Over time, Juneteenth evolved from local commemorations into a national celebration of African American culture, resilience, and achievement. Today, the holiday continues to educate and inspire, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. It’s a call to preserve and share these stories, ensuring that the lessons of Juneteenth remain a guiding light for future generations.
My new book, When Africa Ruled the World, dives deeper into the often-overlooked history of African civilizations, exploring the reign of the Black Pharaohs, the grandeur of Ancient Egypt, and Africa’s influence on powerful empires like Rome. This book is a tribute to the profound legacy of African leadership, innovation, and cultural brilliance — a narrative that has been deliberately left out of mainstream education. It’s a chance to uncover the truth about the remarkable contributions of African ancestors, showing that Black history didn’t begin with slavery and suffering but with strength, knowledge, and influence that shaped the world.
This book is part of my ongoing effort to bring unpublished and forgotten African and African American history to life — stories that were purposefully omitted from the history books by the archeologists, historians, and clergy responsible for passing on the historical truth. For too long, the rich and powerful legacies of African civilizations have been overshadowed by narratives focused solely on slavery and oppression. My mission is to help rewrite that narrative, ensuring that the next generation has a fuller, more accurate understanding of where they come from and the greatness that runs through their veins.
If this history had been taught when I was in grade school through high school, it would have undoubtedly made me hold my head a little higher. Learning that African ancestors were kings, queens, scholars, architects, and warriors — long before slavery — could have given me a deeper sense of pride and self-worth. It’s a truth that every child deserves to know: our history is not one of defeat but one of brilliance, resilience, and leadership.
Juneteenth is a time to reflect on freedom, but it’s also a time to expand the narrative. We honor the past by ensuring that the full story is told — one that doesn’t start with chains but with crowns. Through When Africa Ruled the World and my other works, I hope to continue uplifting and sharing these vital, forgotten histories. The more we uncover and embrace the truth of our past, the more empowered we become to shape a better, more unified future.
