Juneteenth—June 19—commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It became a federal holiday in 2021, but early celebrations date back to the 1860s. Today, Americans observe Juneteenth with festivals, family and of course, food. So we invited influencer Kiva Williams, a.k.a. the Fun Foodie Mama, to share some of her favorite Juneteenth culinary traditions. In this conversation, the Wesley Chapel resident and founder of Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation explains the origins of Juneteenth. She also shares her family’s favorite celebratory foods and drinks, and recommends Juneteenth events to attend and offers advice on how everyone can enjoy the holiday, regardless of race. Kiva starts by explaining how she became a food influencer. For more ways to celebrate Juneteenth, check out the WUSF events calendar. Related episodes: Soul Food Scholar Adrian Miller Will Headline the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Soul Food Inspires Artist Chris Friday’s Sarasota Art Museum Exhibition Gabrielle E.W. Carter & Dr. LaDonna Butler on Food as Rest & Resistance Second Helping: Toni Tipton-Martin Celebrates African-American Chefs in ‘Jubilee’ Dr. Fred Opie on the “Fascinating” African Roots of Florida Foods