We begin not in July, but in June — because the story of American freedom does not begin and end in 1776. This gathering honors the more than 200 individuals who were enslaved at Greater Smithfield, whose names deserve to be spoken aloud. Join us for remarks by Blacksburg Town Councilman Darryl Campbell, a community reading of those names, and music by the Blacksburg Master Chorale. A community potluck featuring dishes from historic African American cookbooks follows at the Pavilion.

Taste the history.
Bring a recipe from the source.

Black cooks, chefs, and kitchen keepers have shaped American food from the very beginning — their flavors, techniques, and recipes woven into the fabric of this country's table. The authors of these books were among the first to write that legacy down. This Juneteenth, we invite you to explore their cookbooks, find a recipe that speaks to you, and bring it to share with our community down at the Pavilion following the program.

Find a recipe.
Make it. Share it.

Every dish you bring carries a story two centuries in the making. Let's fill the table together.

1. Browse one of the cookbooks above (or find another) — they're free to read online.

2. Pick a recipe that calls to you, adapt it to your kitchen.

3. Bring it to the celebration and tell us about the recipe and chef.