Opal Lee, the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ Honored With the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Opal Lee, often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. This accolade comes as recognition of her tireless efforts in activism, particularly her pivotal role in making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. At 96 years old, Lee’s remarkable journey included walking from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., symbolically covering two and a half miles at a time to reflect the delayed freedom announcement in Texas by General Gordon Granger. Her efforts culminated in Juneteenth becoming a national holiday in 2021, marking June 19, 1865, when the emancipation of enslaved African Americans was declared in Texas. Lee’s recognition is part of a broader acknowledgment by the White House, which praised her and other recipients for their leadership and contributions to justice and equality in America.

Source: BET
Image Source: The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons