Some of the folks in my community are planning a fundraiser for Monday’s Juneteenth holiday. It’s a great chance to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger in African American neighborhoods. We’ll be serving red drink (aka sorrel or hibiscus), which is a big part of the Juneteenth tradition. I’m so glad Biden made this a national holiday commemorating the day when everyone finally became free in the U.S. Red drink is healthful and delicious. This holiday is one of the meaningful accomplishments we can celebrate thanks to our Democratic victories.
Hibiscus plants, along with other native African botanicals such as ginger and spices, were transported alongside human cargo in the transatlantic slave trade. Throughout enslavement in the Americas, Red Drink was seen as a healing beverage used to cool overheated bodies working on plantations. Hibiscus was also highly prized at that time for its ability to relieve sudden pain, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure exacerbated by stressful conditions. Combined with the warmth of ginger and the pluckiness of traditional African spices, the bitter and sweet flavors of Red Drink were a liquid love letter in remembrance of a distant homeland. If you’ve ever tasted a “zinger” tea, that’s it — you’ve tasted West Africa.