Opal Lee

Affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," Ms. Opal Lee is a living legend whose tireless activism and infectious determination helped turn the long-held dream of a national Juneteenth holiday into reality. But ask her who she is, ad she'll flash a warm smile and say, "Just a little old lady in tennis shoes getting in everybody's business."

Born in 1926 in Marshall, Texas, and raised in Fort Worth, Ms. Opal's life is rooted in resilience. She graduated from I.M. Terrell High School at just 16, and though she didn't attend college immediately, she never let go of her dreams. After raising four children and overcoming a difficult marriage, she returned to school--earning her bachelor's degree from Wiley College in 1953 and later a master's in Counseling and Guidance from North Texas State University. As an educator, she taught elementary school for 15 years and served as a home-school counselor for the Fort Worth Independent School District until her retirement in 1977.

But retirement was just the beginning.

Ms. Opal threw herself into community work, co-founding Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity to address housing insecurity, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and helping establish the Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society. From serving on the Historic & Cultural Landmarks Commission to supporting AIDS outreach and local businesses, her service touched every corner of Fort Worth. She has also held leadership roles in civic and cultural organizations for decades, including the Ethel Ransom Humanitarian & Cultural Club and over 30 years as Precinct Chair for District 8.

Yet it was her unwavering commitment to Juneteenth--the commemoration of the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free--that sparked a national movement. Inspired by her work with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and driven by a deep belief in the power of unity through truth, Ms. Opal walked miles, organized petitions, and gave countless speeches across the country to demand recognition of this pivotal moment in American history.

In 2021, at the age of 94, Ms. Opal stood next to President Joe Biden as he signed the bill officially making Juneteenth a federal holiday. She received the ceremonial pen, but more importantly, the moment marked a victory for generations of Black Americans who long knew that freedom delayed is still worth fighting for.

Now approaching her 100th birthday, Ms. Opal remains a fierce advocate for justice and education. Through every role--teacher, counselor, activist, historian, church mother--she reminds us that change is always possible and that no one is ever too old, too tired, or too small to make a mighty difference.