Juneteenth’s real meaning is written on the plates of smoked meats, potato salad and watermelon

One Black Texas family’s Juneteenth memories show how food became a powerful expression of emancipation, self-determination and remembrance.

By: Bobby J. Smith II, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 18, 2026

Words: 1,419

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Bobby J. Smith II, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Visiting Comanche Crossing on Juneteenth felt like freedom,” my father said as we pulled into Booker T. Washington Park, the site near what used to be known as the historic Comanche Crossing on Lake Mexia in Texas. “Listen, Bobby, this place would be full of Black folks cooking, dancing, and playing music. It was a big festival with fireworks and a party.”

It had been …

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