Honoring Freedom Through Flavor: Celebrating Juneteenth in Charleston, SC

June 19th, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed—Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with a message that would change history: all enslaved people were now free. That day became known as Juneteenth, a powerful moment of delayed liberation that has since grown into one of the most important celebrations of African American freedom and resilience.

Now a federal holiday recognized in 2021, Juneteenth is more than a historic milestone—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and cuisine. And here in Charleston, SC, where the threads of African American history are deeply woven into the city’s identity, Juneteenth offers an opportunity to pause, honor, and taste the legacy of freedom.

Why Juneteenth Matters in Charleston

Charleston’s culinary and cultural identity is impossible to understand without acknowledging the contributions of African Americans—especially the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of West Africans who retained their cultural heritage despite centuries of enslavement. From rice farming to oyster harvesting, from okra soup to red rice, the food ways of the Lowcountry owe much to the African Americans.

Charleston was once the busiest port of entry for enslaved Africans in North America. This city is both a place of unimaginable suffering and extraordinary survival—and Juneteenth is a moment to reflect on both.

How Food Tells the Story of Freedom

Throughout history, food has been both a source of comfort and a powerful form of resistance for Black Americans. Dishes served at Juneteenth celebrations are rich with symbolism:

• Red foods like hibiscus tea, strawberry soda, watermelon, red velvet cake, and BBQ symbolize strength, resilience, and the bloodshed on the path to freedom.
• Collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread represent prosperity, protection, and nourishment passed down through generations.
• Slow-cooked meats, like smoked brisket or ribs, harken back to communal gatherings and the sacred act of sharing a meal.

At Charleston Culinary Tours, we celebrate the storytellers behind the stove. Whether it’s a walking food tour or a hands-on kitchen experience, every bite tells a tale—and during Juneteenth, those tales take on even deeper meaning.

Where to Honor Juneteenth in Charleston

Charleston has increasingly embraced Juneteenth with community-centered events, educational programming, and celebrations of Black culture. Here are a few ways to experience it this year:

1. Juneteenth Family Fest at Riverfront Park

Organized by Juneteenth SC, this vibrant festival brings together music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and educational exhibits. It’s a joyful, intergenerational celebration of Black excellence and liberation.

2. International African American Museum (IAAM)

Charleston’s IAAM stands on the former site of Gadsden’s Wharf, where nearly half of all enslaved Africans entered the U.S. Visiting during Juneteenth is especially poignant—a way to honor the past while engaging with art, stories, and traditions of the African diaspora.

3. Support Black-Owned Restaurants in Charleston

From soul food classics to upscale takes on Lowcountry cuisine, Charleston’s Black chefs are preserving and evolving the city’s culinary identity. Check out local favorites like:

• Nigel’s Good Food
• Hannibal’s Kitchen
• Bertha’s Kitchen, a James Beard American Classics winner

Dining at these establishments is a meaningful way to support the community and taste the soul of Charleston.

How We’re Commemorating at Charleston Culinary Tours

This Juneteenth, our guides will be sharing special stories and culinary highlights connected to Charleston’s African American heritage. On our Downtown Culinary Tour, we’ll explore how formerly enslaved chefs helped define Southern cooking. On our Charleston Kitchen Experience, we’ll discuss the roots of iconic Lowcountry ingredients.

Looking to book a private group tour for Juneteenth? We’re happy to work with you to create a custom experience that centers Black culinary traditions, historical context, and unforgettable flavors.

“We ate so much we skipped dinner… and we walked away understanding Charleston in a whole new way.” – TripAdvisor Review

Freedom Is Still Cooking

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was delayed—but not denied. And in Charleston, that story is still being told in the kitchens, markets, and streets that pulse with cultural memory. Whether you’re local or just passing through, we invite you to explore Charleston through a new lens this June 19th.

Take a walk. Break bread. Taste history.
Book your culinary tour today and honor Juneteenth the Charleston way.