Paint It Red This Juneteenth

Celebrate & Educate This Juneteenth

This Saturday, June 19th, is a day of huge importance in American History. June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, represents the official end of slavery in the United States. African American communities in all corners of the country will take this day as a moment of cultural recognition, liberation, and joy.

Why Is Juneteenth Important?

 We celebrate Juneteenth because, on June 19th, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger announced that all enslaved people were free in Galveston, Texas. History buffs may raise an eyebrow at this – in fact, Abraham Lincoln declared an end to slavery during his Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. However, it took two and half years for Lincoln’s call for freedom to reach the westernmost territories at the time. Evidently, no one was in a rush to act on the message or inform Texan slaves. For this reason, Texas slaves braved an even longer path to a free life. This meant that 250,000 enslaved Texans remained uninformed of their right to freedom for two and half years. By today’s standards, no individual is free until everyone is free. For this reason, Black Americans choose to revere June 19th as the official end of slavery in this country. 

Celebrating Juneteenth in 2021

Juneteenth has a notable, celebratory legacy in Southern Black communities. However, in recent years, the rest of the country seems to be waking up. More and more companies, cities, and organizations are declaring Juneteenth a holiday. It only seems right that Texas was the first state to name Juneteenth a state holiday back in 1980 – it is yet to be recognized at the federal level. After all, as America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth merits a moment of rest, observance, and festivities. 

Since the Black Lives Matter movement brought about a new, modern civil rights conversation in 2014 and again, with extra power, in 2020, Juneteenth has gained prominent attention in American culture. Paying attention to the holiday indicates a level of cultural awareness and “wokeness” that has become customary and respectable among neighbors, peers, colleagues, and friends. These days, the spirit of Juneteenth emanates into extended communities who share in the joy of Black freedom and who honor the achievements and richness of African American Culture. Depending on where you’re located, a Juneteenth party might involve a rodeo, fireworks, a dance party, a parade, a moment of silent mourning, a peace demonstration, or a simple meal for friends and family to share. 

A Juneteenth celebration is a moment to check your diet at the door. You can expect to find tasty, rich, southern-inspired foods at Juneteenth parties such as grilled meat (don’t be surprised if you see folks grilling a whole pig!), southern sides like collard greens, coleslaw, and potato salad, and plenty of sweets. Ice cream, strawberry cake, cobbler – you name it. 

Red describes both a color and a flavor on Juneteenth. Symbolically, red represents the brutal fights enslaved people endured. Red drinks from cocktails to punch, watermelon juice, and strawberry soda are favorites at Juneteenth celebrations. Stories dating back to 1865 recount liberated people enjoying these once-forbidden drinks for the first time.  

The Best Flowers for a Juneteenth Celebration

Keep the red motif alive this Juneteenth with a celebratory bouquet of fresh flowers. Turn heads with a shining stunner like our pure, 24-stem bouquet of Royal Anthuriums. For a more expansive rosy palette, check out Blushing Beauty, where Red Amaryllis, Red Roses, Hydrangea, and Orchids are accented with seeded eucalyptus and fresh lemon leaf. If you prefer to keep it classic and nuanced, consider a bouquet of 10, 20, or 30 premium Red Tulips.

Allen’s Flower Market offers a complete selection of fresh-cut flowers, and we take pride in arranging them to heighten your experience of the holidays that matter most to our community. We are proud to deliver fresh flowers locally across Southern California and nationwide.