The West African roots of Juneteenth's signature drink
by Jenna Gadbois (Jenna Gadbois) from The World: Latest Stories on (#76DJB)
On Juneteenth, you can drink whatever you want - as long as it's red. For Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved, the color red represents perseverance and survival. That association with the color red has roots that go back centuries to West Africa, where beverages made from hibiscus are a staple. Enslaved Africans brought this tradition with them to the United States, where red drinks became an assertion of their own identity and heritage. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.