Empowering Transformation: Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth, Inspires Change through Vocal Engagement.

The Triumph of Juneteenth: Opal Lee, the Activist and Author, Propels the Journey Towards Equality

In the midst of courage, freedom, and the pursuit of equality, Juneteenth stands as a symbol of triumph. This year’s commemoration, marking the first anniversary since its official recognition as a federal holiday, holds a distinct sense of victory. For 157 years, this day has honored the emancipation of African-Americans and celebrated their rich culture, originating in Galveston, Texas. It took two and a half years for enslaved Texans to learn of their freedom after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

Looking forward to 2016, numerous endeavors had been made to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday, yet all had faltered. That was until Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, a social activist and author, resolved to reshape history. Embarking on a walking campaign from her Fort Worth home to Washington D.C. at the age of 89, she aimed to draw attention to the significance of this day. Despite the six-year journey, Lee’s unwavering efforts prevailed. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Even at the age of 95, she continues to advocate for social justice and equality within Black communities. In recognition of her remarkable contributions, she has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I felt a deep conviction to embark on a journey from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about the imperative of Juneteenth becoming a national holiday,” Lee shares. “That afternoon, I took my first steps, covering a distance of two and a half miles. The following day, I resumed where I had left off, walking with a determined spirit. Originally, I had planned to walk approximately 1,400 miles, passing through Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Dallas. However, my team intervened and informed me that my approach needed adjustment. They had arranged for an RV to support my journey, eliminating the need for hotels and such. Unfortunately, due to perceived political implications, the RV offer was retracted. So my team devised a new plan: I would only visit locations with Juneteenth observations and festivals, and I would only proceed if formally invited. Remarkably, I received invitations from various parts of the United States.”

Lee embarked on her professional journey as a third-grade teacher, earning a modest annual salary of $2,000. To ensure a better life for her four children, she took on an additional job at Lockheed Martin during the night. Playfully, she jests that her extended exposure to eight-year-olds made her start behaving like one. As time went on, she transitioned into social work within the school district, dedicating herself to assisting underprivileged children in obtaining essential provisions.

Following her retirement from the field of education, she recognized the ongoing need for her support, prompting her to become a prominent advocate within her community. Throughout the years, she has held various significant positions, including being a founding member of Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity. She has also served on the Historic & Cultural Landmarks Commission and holds a position as a board member of Habitat’s Land Acquisition. Furthermore, she has been an unwavering Precinct Chair for District 8 in Fort Worth for over three decades and actively participates in the Grandmother’s Club, solidifying her dedication to community engagement.

Every year, Lee joyfully commemorates Juneteenth, and six years ago, when she embarked on her walking campaign, she had no inkling of the profound impact she would make. She fearlessly shared her message with anyone willing to listen, and with each conversation, more individuals expressed a desire to join her cause. As word spread, a robust support system rallied behind her as she embarked on her inaugural walk.

“Starting in September 2016, I reached Washington in January 2017,” Lee recounts with a smile. “Although we had hoped for President Obama to join us from the Frederick Douglass house to the Capitol, he was in Chicago at the time. While I didn’t get exactly what I wanted, P. Diddy supported us in gathering 1.5 million signatures, which we presented to Congress. We were prepared to collect even more signatures when we received a call to visit the White House—a truly magical moment. Just imagine three million people united with the same purpose; we could truly transform this country. Juneteenth signifies freedom for countless individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity or location. I strive to help people understand that it’s not limited to Texas or the Black community—it’s about freedom for all. My hope is that one day we will celebrate from June 19th to the Fourth of July, truly embracing the essence of freedom.”

President Biden personally invited Lee to the White House for the historic bill signing. Standing beside him and Vice President Kamala Harris, she witnessed history unfold before her eyes. However, her journey doesn’t end there. Lee remains dedicated to assisting her community, and if she were to win the Nobel Peace Prize, she plans to travel to Uganda to support a mother with 38 children. Additionally, she collaborated with Unity Unlimited and the WCN to release the Freedom Collection, an apparel and accessory line. Furthermore, she is actively engaged in educating the younger generation through her children’s book, “Juneteenth: A Children’s Story.”

As Lee continues her impactful journey, she remains committed to the following fundamental principles:

1. Share your thoughts and ideas: Express your opinions and ideas with others, for you never know who may be listening and how they can contribute to elevating your efforts.
2. Act with integrity: Stay focused on doing what is right, even in the face of distractions. Ultimately, you are accountable for the consequences of your actions.
3. Extend a helping hand: Advocate for those who lack a voice and support those in need. Despite obstacles or time constraints, always let your heart guide you.

Reflecting on her mission, Lee emphasizes, “I believe each one of us bears the responsibility of shaping our nation into what it needs to be. We cannot solely rely on the government or others to do this work. Let us become a committee of one, addressing the issues that we know can be rectified. That realization is all I need to keep going. My hope is that people will heed this message and recognize that we have the power to effect positive change.”