by Leyla Abdallah, contributor
Often referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee played a crucial role in advocating for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday.
Her activism journey was influenced by her personal experiences and historical awareness, which were shaped by her surroundings and the cultural context in which she grew up. Opal Lee was born in Marshall, Texas, in 1927. There, at the age of 12, she witnessed firsthand segregation and constant discrimination during her youth in that period of America’s social norm.
Her understanding of the systemic challenges faced by African Americans was based on firsthand experiences. She was experiencing what she did not want others to witness; rather, she wanted to raise awareness of the constant dismay she and others experienced.
Moments that Opal Lee witnessed that changed her life were a mob attack on a man of color who was accused of assaulting a white woman and the lynching of a Black teenage girl.
These violent attacks, and murders were traumatizing for young Opal Lee. Being so young and witnessing such a horrible tragedy is heartbreaking, but it was also eye-opening to Opal. It also exposed her to the extent of the inhumane treatment Blacks were undergoing. Her home was set on fire home was set on fire by white rioters on Juneteenth in 1939 when her family tried to celebrate the occasion and her father was warned by the police to not fight back or defend their land. It extended her determination to fight for her and others’ rights and equalities. Lee’s experiences and visual trauma during this period shaped her schema in many ways.
Juneteenth as a federal holiday was driven by a commitment to preserving African American history and culture, ensuring the education that future generations would understand the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors.
Many see Opal as a symbol of justice
Many see Opal as a symbol of justice. She endured many obstacles during her journey of fighting for the holiday. Many people also misinterpreted her message for peace and perceived her to others as a threat. She faced semantic attacks and must constantly be alert to defend herself.
Although she continues to be very outspoken, she has to take constant measures of care while expressing her work. However, she perseveres and, uses her platform to educate and advocate for civil and human rights through legislative action. Opal was , and still is, very determined to spread the message of Juneteenth.
For many years, she organized walks to Washington, D.C., and gathered signatures for petitions to achieve the goal. These actions, although small, had a significant impact on getting the word out.
Of course, many were against it, but even more were in support.
Juneteenth holds a special significance to those who endured the horrid treatment of Black people in America as well as families sand generations of those who are not here to celebrate it with us today.
We must recognize those who have fallen and what they stood for. Juneteenth is the holiday that we must acknolwdge and honor as we strive to be voices for our ancestors.
With this federal holiday, we educate our future generations. With the flag’s symbolism, each color represents a story of the events taken.
She was honored by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden for for contributions to humanity. Celebrities support her movement include, Vice President Kamala Harris, Eryka Badu, Usher, Pharrell Williams, and
Now, the acknowledgment of this Black history event is an official history account that will evolve over generations.
From speeches, to walks to protests to being announced yearly by the government officials, Opal was a driving force behind it all.
The holiday highlights Opal Lee, who was 89 years old when she took action to create it. This year, 2024, she celebrates 97 years of life
Because of her efforts, Juneteenth will be honored by all as a historical holiday.
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