Opal Lee: The Grandmother of Juneteenth and the Walk for Freedom
By Selena Castro, premise and contributions by Abigail Hollie
Opal Lee, often referred to as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," is a remarkable advocate and activist who has dedicated her life to promoting awareness and celebration of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Through her passionate advocacy and the Walk for Freedom initiative, Opal Lee has played a significant role in raising awareness about Juneteenth and the importance of using one's voice to bring about change. In the following, we explore Opal Lee's inspiring journey and the impact of her work.
Opal Lee: The Voice of Change: Opal Lee's commitment to promoting Juneteenth and advocating for social justice has made her a prominent figure in the fight against racial inequality. At the age of 89, Opal embarked on a historic mission to walk from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., as part of the Walk for Freedom campaign. Her goal was to raise awareness about Juneteenth and advocate for it to become a nationally recognized holiday.
The Walk for Freedom Initiative: The Walk for Freedom initiative gained significant attention and support as Opal Lee walked tirelessly across the country, symbolizing the long and ongoing journey toward racial equality. The initiative aimed to encourage individuals, communities, and lawmakers to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday, promoting education and reflection on the history and legacy of slavery.
Amplifying the Message: Opal Lee's advocacy efforts garnered attention from media outlets, politicians, and the public. News outlets like CBS News covered her journey extensively, spreading awareness about Juneteenth and the importance of honoring its significance. Through interviews and public appearances, Opal Lee effectively used her voice to educate and inspire others to join the cause.
The Importance of Using Your Voice: Opal Lee's journey serves as a reminder that each individual has the power to effect change. She emphasizes the importance of using one's voice to stand up against injustice and fight for equality. Through her determination and unwavering spirit, Opal Lee has inspired countless people to engage in conversations about racial equality and the history of Juneteenth.
Opal Lee's relentless dedication to promoting Juneteenth and her Walk for Freedom initiative has significantly contributed to the national recognition and celebration of this important day in American history. Her efforts have sparked conversations, educated communities, and propelled legislative action to recognize Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Opal Lee's story is a testament to the power of one person's voice and the impact it can have on society. As we honor Juneteenth, let us remember the resilience and courage of Opal Lee and continue to use our voices to activate change.
Resources:
Forbes: "Opal Lee: Grandmother of Juneteenth Shares the Importance of Using Your Voice to Activate Change" by Cheryl Robinson Link: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2022/06/19/opal-lee-grandmother-of-juneteenth-shares-the-importance-of-using-your-voice-to-activate-change/?sh=1dda895ab406]
Juneteenth FTW: Opal's Walk for Freedom Link: [https://www.juneteenthftw.com/opalswalkforfreedom]
CBS News: "Meet the 94-year-old driving force behind making Juneteenth a federal holiday" by Sarah Lynch Baldwin Link: [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/juneteenth-opal-lee-grandmother-fort-worth-washington-dc/]
