“Taste of Juneteenth” Being Held in Providence on First Year of State Holiday

“Taste of Juneteenth” Being Held in Providence on First Year of State Holiday

The first “Taste of Juneteenth” will be held on Wednesday, June 19 in Providence. 

The event will take place at Farm Fresh on Sims Avenue from noon to 4 PM. 

According to organizers, the event “aims to showcase foods and food culture from the African Diaspora, and to provide a dedicated platform on Juneteenth for economic opportunity for Black-owned businesses.”

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Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last slaves were freed in Texas, two and a half years after President Lincoln outlawed slavery.

It become a federal holiday in 2021 and in 2024 will be a paid state holiday in Rhode Island for the first time. 

 

More About Event 

“The term ‘African Diaspora’ refers to the widespread migration of Africans during the transatlantic slave trades from the 16th to the 19th century. Millions from Western and Central Africa were relocated across the Americas and the Caribbean. In their new locations, they encountered diverse local foods and cultural influences, leading to unique culinary styles,” according to event organizers. “The distinct culinary traditions of these regions are a cause for celebration and can be enjoyed by people globally.”

Food vendors so far include Ja Patty, Caribbean Soul, Buggd Out BBQ, Ethiopian Eats, and Cakes by Eboni.

In addition, non-food vendors that have signed on included Awoken Apparel, Inspire Me, and True Beauty Beads. 

For more information about the event for venders and to RSVP for free, go here. 

 

PHOTO: Unsplash/Chantal Lim