Food and justice were on the menu at the third annual Taste of Juneteenth on Sunday.

“We’re at a time in the world where there are people trying to erase our history and culture,” Jennelle Gadowski said. “There are many spaces that maybe it’s not safe to be a Black person.... We recognize and honor the ancestors that came before us. And Juneteenth is that time for us to do that.”

Winston Christie, of Winston's in Oak Bluffs.

Ray Ewing

Winston Christie, of Winston's in Oak Bluffs.

Ray Ewing

Ms. Gadowski co-chaired the event which was sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the NAACP. Local Black chefs taking part included Canieka Fleming, Ting, Newton Waite, Winston Christie, Lori Edmonds, Anthony Foster and Ralston Francis.

Mr. Francis, chef at Edgartown Diner and Eleven Circuit, has been at every Taste of Juneteeth since its inception. He said he enjoys seeing the community gather and work together, as well as experimenting with the food he presents.

“Food is endless,” Mr. Francis said. “Every year, you have to get more creative, because everybody else is doing the same [thing]. So you have to step out of your comfort zone and create something new.”

Bryonie (Destiny) Brown reads her award-winning poem.

Ray Ewing

Bryonie (Destiny) Brown reads her award-winning poem.

Ray Ewing

It was also a moment for recognition as the first Marie B. Allen Juneteenth Creative Arts Contest awards were presented to Bryonie (Destiny) Brown, Austin Chen and Grey Hanaway.

Ms. Brown, the first-place winner, presented her poem The Art of Jubilee, which reads in part: “Jubilee unfolds in colors bright, a symphony of day and night. Brushstrokes of laughter paint the sky, songs of joy let spirits fly.”

Ms. Gadowski said she was pleased with how the event continues to grow.

“Every year we learn something different,” she said. “We’re really looking forward to next year and having more community and more space for us to gather and learn about our history, but also preserve the culture that we have.”

Food for thought was on the menu.

Ray Ewing

Food for thought was on the menu.

Ray Ewing

Ms. Gadowski added that she hopes the next generation continues the Juneteenth legacy.

“It’s about the younger generations learning and taking that knowledge with them as they go through the world,” she said. “I’m very grateful for the support that we’ve had thus far and we look forward to making this an annual event.”