Dallas Interfaith Friends Come Together to Prepare for Juneteenth
Brooke Reynolds
On Saturday, June 11th, eleven interfaith friends, new and old, gathered around a kitchen island in Dallas, united by a common goal of strengthening bonds of understanding and fellowship. And how was it done? By baking tea cakes, a traditional cookie confection often served at Juneteenth celebrations.
Historically, tea cakes were made with molasses and lard because enslaved families did not have access to sugar and butter. These simple cookies are most often flavored with nutmeg, but variations can be found from one family recipe to another.
The Saturday event was special, unique even, with individuals of different backgrounds, ages, races, and religions coming together for the joint venture. For six years now, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern Dallas have shared Juneteenth celebrations with Lifeway Church of Dallas, led by Dr. Karen Hollie, Senior Pastor. The tea cakes are a new addition to the gathering; Dr. Hollie wanted to teach her friends to make them because of the special role they play in African-American culture.
Todd and Brooke Reynolds hosted, inviting not only members of their Latter-day Saint congregation and friends from Lifeway, but also bakers from the Muslim community in DeSoto and the DFW Family Church of Irving. The Reynolds were excited to learn the new recipe and to share the tradition with their children as well. Dr. Hollie and her sister, Dr. Re’Donna Polk, brought the recipe from their childhood home. The Reynolds continued baking on Sunday, with the batches to be shared on June 18th for the joint Juneteenth celebration.
Beginning in 2021, Juneteenth, long celebrated in Texas, became a federal holiday. The observance commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans received word of the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been signed two years earlier. Opal Lee, a Fort Worth resident, proved instrumental in raising awareness of the tradition and in convincing lawmakers to proclaim the holiday important for the entire nation. Dr. Hollie enjoyed the opportunity of meeting her last year.
Tea cakes are delicious, as are the other foods often served on Juneteenth: watermelon, Big Red, and barbeque. This year, some voiced concern that the introduction of tea cakes would replace the popular cake walk featuring numerous delicacies provided by Lifeway members. (The cake walk is on!)
Of far greater significance than the tea cakes are the friendships forged in the kitchen, the strong friendships and opportunities to learn and laugh. In a world that is not always loving and welcoming, it’s important to keep these special traditions going. Happy Juneteenth, everyone!
Special thanks to the co-author of this article, Mary Ann Taylor.
