Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee, beamed with joy as President Joe Biden bestowed upon her the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House.
Biden commended Lee for her tireless efforts to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday, recognizing her unwavering commitment to preserving history.
At 97 years old, Lee was honored alongside 18 other recipients for their outstanding contributions to the United States and beyond.
Born decades after the end of slavery, Lee experienced racism firsthand when her family was forced out of their Fort Worth home by a racist mob in 1939.
Lee’s dedication to raising awareness about Juneteenth led her on a symbolic journey from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., garnering support for the holiday’s official recognition.
In 2021, she stood by Biden’s side as he signed the law making Juneteenth a federal holiday, a momentous occasion held in the same East Room where Friday’s ceremony took place.
Reflecting on her achievements, Lee emphasized that her work is far from over.
She highlighted pressing issues such as homelessness, joblessness, and healthcare disparities, urging continued action to address these challenges.
Lee also shared her optimism about the progress toward establishing a National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth by 2026.
Despite her age, Lee remains an advocate for change, encouraging dialogue and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As she continues her advocacy work, Lee invites others to join her in commemorating Juneteenth and advancing the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
