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The Latest Breaking News from Opal Lee

Quote of the Day by Opal Lee Juneteenth: 'We have simply got to make people aware that none of us are...'- a powerful message of equality, hope, and change by civil rights activist, known as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth'

Opal Lee, the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' champions a profound message: true freedom is indivisible. Her life's work, fueled by a childhood tragedy, tirelessly advocated for equality and understanding. Lee's dedication culminated in Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, proving that one person's persistent action can ignite widespread change and inspire a…

The Economic Times · Jun 19

What do we celebrate on Juneteenth?

The holiday marking slavery's end has always carried contradictions. In the Trump era, more so than ever

Salon · Jun 19

As Juneteenth is celebrated across the US, Obama's presidential center opens in Chicago

As people gather at events across the U.S. to celebrate Juneteenth, former President Barack Obama’s presidential center will open its doors to the public for the first time

The Independent UK · Jun 19

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Snow on Market Street

The man on the Mabank bench first taught me that history isn’t past.

Texas Observer · Feb 20

Black history centennial channels angst over anti-DEI climate into education, free resources

Despite proclaiming last February as National Black History Month, President Donald Trump's second term has been marked by what critics say are attacks on Black history in the United States

The Independent UK · Feb 1

What’s the right way to mark Juneteenth? The newest US holiday is confusing Americans

The United States’ newest federal holiday, celebrated annually on June 19, has quickly become its most puzzling one. Four years after President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, Americans have wrestled with what to make of the holiday.

The Conversation · Jun 16, 2025

Opal Lee ‘the grandmother of Juneteenth’ is recovering after hospital visit

Opal Lee is known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her decades-long campaign to make the day a federal holiday

The Independent UK · Jun 2, 2025

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Harris tells Black churchgoers that people must show compassion and respect in their lives

Kamala Harris has told the congregation of a large Black church in suburban Atlanta that people must show compassion and respect in their daily lives and do more than just “preach the values.”

The Independent UK · Oct 20, 2024

Juneteenth Is a Celebration of Freedom

The holiday represents a page-turning from one of the most shameful chapters in American history.

Reason · Jun 19, 2024

‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’ handed keys to new Texas home 85 years after racist mob burned it down

Opal Lee, who helped make Juneteenth a holiday, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year

The Independent UK · Jun 19, 2024

The Struggle to Fulfill Juneteenth’s Promise and Reckon with Its History

Sam Collins, better known as Professor Juneteenth, says his work to educate Americans about the holiday’s legacy is unfinished.

Texas Observer · Jun 19, 2024

Opal Lee gets keys to her new Texas home 85 years after a racist mob drove her family from that lot

The 97-year-old Texan known for her push to make Juneteenth a national holiday has been given the keys to her new home

The Independent UK · Jun 14, 2024

Biden is giving the Medal of Freedom to a who's who of Democrats (and Katie Ledecky)

President Biden is giving the nation's highest civilian honor to 19 people, a list that includes civil rights leaders, trailblazers and an unusually large contingent of high-profile Democrats.

WEKU · May 3, 2024

Opal Lee Reclaims Family Lot, Builds New Home

Opal Lee, 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' overcomes past trauma to build new home on historic site.

The Long Road to a Juneteenth Museum

Architects have made a Fort Worth neighborhood’s history part of the plan for this unique Juneteenth museum.

Tribune News Service · Jun 19, 2023

‘Change their mind’: People can be taught to love, civil rights icon Opal Lee says on day to celebrate freedom

FORT WORTH, Texas — Amid temperatures that felt like 104, Opal Lee completed her “Walk for Freedom” on Monday and called for people to make a change in others.

The Guardian - US · Jun 19, 2023

Juneteenth: how did the holiday start and how is it celebrated today?

US’s newest federal holiday – signed into law in 2021 – has its roots in the emancipation of Black Americans from slavery

The Independent UK · Jun 19, 2023

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday

Many Americans will be marking Juneteenth this month

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The Independent UK · Jun 16, 2023

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday

Many Americans will be marking Juneteenth this month

Tribune News Service · Jun 16, 2023

Opal Lee, ‘grandmother of Juneteenth,’ discusses national museum, legacy of slavery

FORT WORTH, Texas — Growing up in Texas, Opal Lee celebrated Juneteenth by picnicking and dancing with her family at Sycamore Park in Fort Worth.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 16, 2023

The Journey to Juneteenth: uncovering the history and making of a federal holiday

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday.

The Independent UK · Jun 7, 2023

The story behind Juneteenth and how it became a federal holiday

Many Americans will be marking Juneteenth this month

Tribune News Service · Feb 8, 2023

‘Can you believe?’ Portrait in Texas Capitol honors Opal Lee, ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’

FORT WORTH, Texas — Her 1,400 mile walk took her across the country, to President Joe Biden’s side as he made Juneteenth a federal holiday. Now she is honored on the walls of the Texas Capitol.

The Independent UK · Feb 8, 2023

Opal Lee, 'grandmother of Juneteenth,' gets Texas portrait

A Texas woman who helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday has become the second Black Texan honored with a portrait on the walls of the state’s Senate chamber

Tribune News Service · Oct 5, 2022

Juneteenth activist Opal Lee’s journey from segregation to Nobel Peace Prize nomination

FORT WORTH, Texas — At 95 years old, Opal Lee is simply trying to figure out how to help the next person.

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