Opal Lee: The Woman Who Walked for Juneteenth
A 95-Year-Old Activist's Journey for Racial Justice
Opal Lee, a former teacher and lifelong activist, walked from Fort Worth to Washington DC in 2016 at the age of 89 to raise awareness for the importance of Juneteenth. Her efforts played a pivotal role in the eventual establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday in 2021.
Opal Lee, whose great-grandmother was born into slavery in Louisiana, has dedicated her life to racial justice. In 2016, she embarked on a 1,400-mile walk from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Lee's journey garnered national attention and helped to raise awareness about the significance of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Her efforts culminated in the passage of legislation in 2021 that established Juneteenth as a national holiday, a historic milestone in the fight for racial justice.
Opal Lee's unwavering activism and determination have inspired countless others to join the fight for equality. Her story is a testament to the power of one person to make a difference, even in the face of adversity.
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