The day commemorates the liberation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas in 1865, following the Civil War and President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation two years prior.

I mean, technically correct, but it wasn't really about Galveston. It's about how that was when the last of people heard the news. It represents how long it takes for actual rights and freedoms to be even told to people. I think it represents all yhag is wrong with the struggles of obtaining AND ENJOYING rights and freedoms. I feel like their summary was a bit too brief and simplifying.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyHSjv9gxlE

The thing is that both are great foods but knowing how a southern white clown thinks... they meant it. Fuk 'em

If fried chicken and watermelon were the only things served, then there's a problem. Otherwise, no.

Unless the other things served were grape drink and Newports.

My company did it the right way

they gave us the day off.

The topic is a mine field for a big company. I think lots of people do eat fried chicken on Juneteenth celebrations, and red foods in general are part of the theme, but the problem is that fried chicken and watermelon are among the stereotypes that have been applied to black folks for generations.

I'm an old white guy. If my boss gave me the responsibility of arranging food for a Juneteenth celebration, I would suggest that there's too many ways the company could end up looking poorly, and would probably suggest a company poll/survey (which of these main dishes, which of these sides, etc.) to let the people decide. Better, since my company has a black employees association, I'd suggest that we have that group lead it and give them a budget.

My point is that a company should have the sense to make sure they approach sensitive situations carefully.

I could see this as a generic summer theme, but I mean come on.

Isn't that considered the traditional meal that is served on Juneteenth? I'm not trying to be an asshole. I also think that you're supposed to serve a red drink too.

https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a36479941/juneteenth-food-traditions/

Didn’t this happen last year, too? Feels like this isn’t the first time I’ve seen this headline.

Honestly fried chicken is some good shit maybe they—

Watermelon

Er

Well, yeah, that seems pretty sus—

“Although our intent was to celebrate this nationally recognized day”

Yeah they racist af

(I don’t even know what it is that connects the wording choices so clearly with the image of a slightly smirking man who’s secure in the knowledge that at the end of the day, what the fuck are you going to do about it, nothing that’s what, now get back to work watermelon man your day was yesterday)

Every summer cookout should have watermelon, but....

Also, that fried chicken looks terrible.

Asking because I don't know, please don't read into it more than that...

What's the problem with chicken and watermelon? Other than not been a fancy food, it seems a step up from the pizza lunches we normally get

I understand there is a link (not a negative one, as far as I know) between African American folks and fried chicken... But as a Venezuelan native I would not be offended if my work served me Arepas as a celebration of anything related to me or my culture

The fact they even acknowledged it is ... Surprising? Most big US companies seem to be opting for that awkward in-between space where they feel obligated to recognize it but sure as hell don't want to give people the day off. The result is some execs admin assistant sends out a boilerplate email about how important the holiday is in our company culture, blah blah blah, also you don't get the day off, get back to work peons, etc.

Our office didn't even recognize it. IIRC we did the last 2 years, not this year. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

Reading the article, it seems like it may have been more of a case of poor judgement from management instead of intentional racism (maybe subconscious stereotyping, though). It's a really stupid mistake. For any holiday, all you have to do is ask the team for input BEFORE making decisions and you can avoid most of this nonsense.

North Carolina being North Carolina. I am sure it made perfect sense to them.

Feels racist but my work doesn't even celebrate...This is NC though. I'd expect those are staples.

Well slap my ass and tickle my fanny. Who would do such a thing?.. I'm off to jump down turn around and pick a bale of cotton y'all take care.... For some perspective I'm an outback living 4th generation Australian and even i know about the fried chicken and watermelon thing