In the basement of the Zeidler Municipal Building in Milwaukee, RCW Cafe is celebrating Juneteenth with a special menu of soul food. Owner Rhonda Carter-Watson, who is the first Black person to run the cafe, is proud to honor this important holiday.
For three days, the cafe is serving dishes like smothered pork chops, baby back ribs, and baked chicken. Carter-Watson explains, “Juneteenth is about freedom. It means a lot for me and my family.” She wants to share the celebration through food and culture.
The event has drawn many eager customers, like Jeff Zaborowski. He believes that learning about different cultures enriches everyone’s lives. “Milwaukee is full of festivals, and this adds to our diversity,” he said.
Carter-Watson has fond memories of Juneteenth celebrations growing up. She feels seeing people celebrate this day at her cafe is especially meaningful: “We’re acknowledging a day we’ve long waited for, and people appreciate that we’re doing something special.”
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the end of slavery in the United States and has gained more recognition in recent years. According to a recent Gallup poll, 65% of Americans now know what Juneteenth commemorates, a significant increase from just a few years ago. This growth reflects a broader societal shift toward understanding Black history and American culture.
RCW Cafe will continue serving these special dishes until 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Supporting local businesses like this one helps strengthen community ties and celebrates cultural heritage.
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