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The Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau invites the community to their second Annual Juneteenth Celebration, a joyous and educational event recognizing Freedom Day. This year’s celebration will be held on June 19 at 201 Broadway Ave S., Albert Lea, MN 56007, starting at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, inviting everyone to join in on learning about the importance of Juneteenth known as Freedom Day.

The evening will commence with refreshments, a social gathering, and an art auction from 5:30 p.m., followed by a celebration from 6 to 7 p.m.

There will be multiple local speakers and performers, including local artistic and poetic talent, offering a night filled with celebration, learning and fun.

North Iowa-based comedian Day Peace will be the master of ceremonies. With over 13 years of experience, Day Peace has made headlines with two albums, “Peace of Mind” and “Peace of Mind Side B,” the latter debuting at No. 1 on the Amazon and iTunes Charts in 2022. Known for his fun, spontaneous and often outrageous humor, Peace promises to bring a unique level of professional entertainment to the stage.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates their culture, resilience, and contributions to society. It is a day of reflection, learning, and unity. On Monday, June 12, 2023, Mayor Murray of Albert Lea proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day, marking its official recognition within the city of Albert Lea beginning June 19, 2023.