At 97 years young, Opal Lee represents the power of persistence, resilience, and the unwavering belief in justice. Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Lee is celebrated for her tireless efforts to make Juneteenth—a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States—a nationally recognized federal holiday.
Her story is one of quiet but determined activism, spanning decades, with one pivotal moment in 2016. At the age of 89, Opal Lee set out on a symbolic journey, walking from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to the nation’s capital. Her goal? To urge Congress to officially recognize Juneteenth, which marks June 19, 1865, the day news of emancipation finally reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
This wasn’t an easy journey for Lee, but it was an essential one. She walked nearly 1,400 miles, bringing attention to the historical significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing fight for equality. In doing so, she reminded the country that while slavery had ended on paper, the struggle for true freedom and recognition for Black Americans continued.
Opal Lee’s journey wasn’t just about walking long distances—it was about closing the gap between the promises made and the promises fulfilled. Her efforts were finally rewarded when, on June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the legislation officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Lee was present at the signing ceremony, a fitting recognition for the woman who had spent so much of her life advocating for this day of remembrance and celebration.
But Lee’s activism didn’t end there. Every year, she continues to walk two and a half miles on June 19th, symbolizing the time it took for the news of freedom to reach the enslaved in Texas. Her walks remind us that freedom is not a singular event but a process—one that requires continual effort and reflection.
In 2022, Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, further cementing her legacy as a tireless advocate for justice and equity. Her work has inspired generations of activists, students, and ordinary citizens who see in her the embodiment of dedication to a cause larger than oneself.
Opal Lee’s story resonates not only because of her age or the miles she has walked but because of what she represents—a steadfast commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality that remain vital today. She is a living bridge between history and the present, showing us that progress often requires the courage to continue, even when the journey seems long.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must also celebrate the people like Opal Lee, who continue to push the nation to live up to its founding ideals. Her activism serves as a reminder that history is not something to be passively remembered but actively made. And in her footsteps, we find inspiration to keep moving forward, even when the road seems uphill.
Opal Lee may be known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” but her legacy stretches far beyond a single holiday. It is a legacy of hope, perseverance, and the belief that freedom is worth fighting for—no matter how long it takes.