Juneteenth events scheduled through Sunday

A reception Thursday kicked off Lubbock's Juneteenth celebration, with events scheduled through Sunday.

The observance includes a parade Saturday and a gospel stage Sunday. This year's theme is "Suited for Success."

The Unified Juneteenth Commission's president, Latrice Godfrey, says this is an opportunity to pay tribute to freedom.

"It's freedom for all," she said. "That's why we welcome every community. We want everyone to feel like there is a reason were coming together. Because we want to share the happiness of being free."

Juneteenth refers to June 19th, 1865, the date a Union general arrived in Galveston with the announcement that President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier.

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