SC4 is collaborating with the Port Huron community to host the 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration, A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, and Unity, on Wednesday, June 19, at the St. Clair County Community College Student Center from 12–4 p.m.
This event honors African American contributions to our nation’s culinary culture and celebrates the spirit of freedom and unity. This will be a live-tasting exhibit that traces the delicious African American foods that have contributed to our nation’s culinary culture. African Americans have inspired our country’s food for over four hundred years through their skill, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Black foodways have shaped much of what we farm, cook, and drink.
Jessica Brown, SC4 Chief DEI Officer, commented on the event. “Juneteenth is a celebration of progress despite the most painful parts of history.” She added, “There is still more work to be done; we want everyone to join in celebrating this wonderful American history. We are better together and honor our ancestors, which paved the way for me to celebrate this day. We want meaningful action and support to empower our community to stand in unison, which is something we all want to overcome.”
Event Highlights:
- Free Live-tasting Exhibit: Guests will trace the culinary journey from Africa to Jamaica, showcasing the rich history that has shaped American cuisine.
- Cultural Showcase: Attendees will experience live music, dancing, networking opportunities with restaurateurs, live storytelling, and spoken word performances from local activists, musicians, and dancers, showcasing the vibrancy of African American heritage.
- Food and Drinks: Attendees will enjoy signature drinks and African/Black cuisine from local and neighboring community restaurants, including Chef Chris Catering, Elle Symone Catering & Events, Daylicious Drinks and Treats, Jamaican Jerk, Southside Sweets, Yum Village, Baobab Fare.
Alphonso Amos of AAmos Consulting had this to say regarding Juneteenth, “Juneteenth is more than a day of celebration; it is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the African American spirit. On June 19, we honor the moment when freedom was finally proclaimed in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We reflect on the profound struggles and triumphs of our ancestors during the Reconstruction era, who, against all odds, sought to reunite families, build communities, and reshape our nation. Juneteenth is our second Independence Day, a day to remember that the journey to justice and equality continues. When we celebrate, we gather in unity and hope as we carry forward the legacy of those who never gave up, embracing our past and forging a future where freedom truly rings true for all.”
This event is presented in partnership with St. Clair County Community College, Port Huron Branch NAACP, St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity (SCCORE), The Port Huron Museum, The City of Port Huron, Black Lives Matter Port Huron, the International Council of Community Churches, the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County, and AAmos Consulting Group.
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For media inquiries, please contact—Sarah Rutallie, Chief of Staff, SC4, at srutallie@sc4.edu
