Celebrate Freedom: Join the Vibrant Juneteenth Food Festival in Crown Heights!

The fourth annual Juneteenth Food Festival at the Weeksville Heritage Center drew a colorful crowd of Brooklynites despite the rain and heat. Attendees enjoyed a feast of fishcakes, West African dishes, and barbecue from 29 Black-owned food vendors.

Dr. Raymond Codrington, president of Weeksville Heritage Center, highlighted the festival’s unique spirit: “There’s no place like Weeksville, and there’s no other event like the Juneteenth Food Festival.” Situated on the historic grounds of the Hunterfly Road Houses in Crown Heights, the event celebrated Black culture and entrepreneurship.

Weeksville, founded in 1838 by freed Black man James Weeks, was one of the first free Black communities in America. This festival not only honors that legacy but also provides local Black businesses a chance to gain visibility and grow their networks. Codrington noted, “Entrepreneurship and self-determination are key tenets of Weeksville’s history.”

One of the festival’s vendors, Kevin Morgan from Lacey Burger, served up his signature smash burgers and smoked wings. He expressed excitement about the community support: “It’s great to see our community come out and back local businesses. This event kicks off our busy season.”

First-time attendee Rayne Neuni brought her kids and enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere. “It’s really amazing to see families interacting,” she remarked.

Aisha Cosby traveled from North Carolina to reconnect with her Brooklyn roots. “My husband and I were both raised nearby. We come back every year for this,” she shared.

The festival also featured BEM | Books & More, a Black-owned bookstore specializing in food literature from Black authors. Co-founder Gabrielle Davenport expressed their joy in being part of such a vibrant event: “We love celebrating our community and culture here.”

Juneteenth originates from Texas and focuses on freedom, community, and food. This year was special as the festival took place on Juneteenth itself, marking a significant celebration of Black liberation. The rising attendance reflects growing awareness and appreciation for this important day.

Historically, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Since the federal recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday in 2021, festivities like this one have become a focal point for honoring history and embracing culture.

Events like the Juneteenth Food Festival help cultivate a sense of belonging and foster community ties, reminding everyone of the importance of local support and the rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship.



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Weeksville Juneteenth Food Festival