On Morning Edition, NPR was talking about Juneteenth.  It’s a big deal.  They predicted that highway traffic may be reduced because everybody is off for the federal holiday.  I was going to go to Aldi today, I should check if they have reduced hours.

Since Sparky is half Black, I wanted to do something special, but NPR was vague on the Juneteenth traditions.  Breakfast in bed is always welcome and appropriate, so I went with that.

Looking at the photo, I wonder if serving ribs for Juneteenth is a hate crime.  NPR was dancing around the issue, but implied that Black folks can eat watermelon now.  I googled Juneteenth food, and this phrase kept coming up.

From barbecue to red velvet cake, kool aid, and watermelon, the foods traditionally eaten on Juneteenth…

Wow.  We are really leaning in. 

Burger King should do a strawberry shake promotion on Juneteenth.  In the 1970’s, Black customers at our Burger King usually ordered a strawberry shake.  It happened so reliably, Lisa started using “strawberry” as a euphemism for Black people.  There weren’t many Black customers, so it was a noteworthy event.

Would a carton of Newport Menthols be an appropriate Juneteenth gift?  

Based on my Juneteenth understanding, Sparky’s photo is fine.

When Christmas is finally replaced as our winter holiday, a dog eating a pork rib on the couch, will make for a wonderful Ramadan card.