After slaves won their emancipation black people grew, ate, and sold watermelons. The watermelon soon became a symbol of their freedom and black self-sufficiency.
The watermelon stereotype is an anti-black racist trope originating in the Southern United States.
Chef Tristen (@eppsandflows) of @oceansocialmiamibeach wanted to pay homage to the history of the fruit and the root of the black entrepreneurial journey.
He designed a one-of-a-kind @unclenearest Watermelon popsicle that was served during the Juneteenth Celebration Dinner.
The pairing of Uncle Nearest whiskey, the watermelon fruit, and even the popsicle all represent and highlight the black experience and historical importance.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey is the fastest-growing independent American whiskey in the market that is named after and pays homage to a slave by the name of Nearest Greene.
The Popsicle/frozen cups/icee cups/freeze cup has many names but is also a treat that gained popularity in African American neighborhoods where children and all people couldn’t afford ice cream truck or store delicacies.
This is just one of the many special and thoughtful highlights from the Juneteenth Celebration Dinner.