06/17/2026
Rice pudding isn’t necessarily a traditional Southern Black dessert, but the rice at the center of this dish tells a story that must never be forgotten.
This year, same as last, our rice pudding features Carolina Gold rice grown by Rollen Chalmers , founder of Rollen’s RAW Grains , a Black-owned company dedicated to preserving one of the South’s most historic grains.
For generations, Carolina Gold rice shaped the economy of the Lowcountry. Its success depended on the knowledge and labor of enslaved Africans, many of whom came from rice-growing regions of West Africa and brought agricultural expertise that transformed the American South.
As we prepare for Juneteenth, we’re focusing not only on “the end” of slavery, but on what came after. Freedom created opportunities for Black farmers, cooks, entrepreneurs, and families to preserve traditions, build businesses, and carry knowledge forward to future generations.
Rice remained at the center of countless Black Southern tables, appearing in dishes like red rice, Hoppin’ John, perloo, gumbo, and dirty rice. Today, farmers like Rollen Chalmers are helping ensure that historic varieties such as Carolina Gold are not lost to history.
Our baked rice pudding is a small reminder that the story didn’t end with Juneteenth. But that our history continues through the people who chose to preserve them. We hope to see you this Saturday at the shop from 9 AM until 3 PM for our annual Juneteenth celebration.
