Juneteenth will be celebrated in Albert Lea at 4 p.m. June 19 in Fellowship Hall at United Methodist Church. Barbecue ribs will be served and those who attend should bring a potluck item to share. A short program will follow, which will be led by retired educator John V. Smith. All are welcome to attend. Reservations can be made at 507-473-2039.

Juneteenth is the celebration of when Texas first received notice of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865, which had been signed in January of that year and brought freedom to African-American slaves in the U.S.

Minnesota is the fourth state to begin celebrating Juneteenth.