Who was Opal Lee, and why is she important to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday?
Opal Lee is a pivotal figure in the fight to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Often referred to as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," her tireless advocacy and dedication over decades were instrumental in raising national awareness and ultimately achieving federal recognition for the holiday.
### What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The name is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth," marking the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people that they were free. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had been issued.
### What is the history behind Juneteenth?
The history of Juneteenth is rooted in the end of the Civil War and the delayed emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, its effects were not fully realized in all parts of the country immediately. It wasn't until June 19, 1865, that Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with federal troops and General Order No. 3, announcing that all enslaved people in Texas were free. This news brought immense joy and celebration, marking a new beginning for thousands. The holiday has since been celebrated as "Freedom Day" by many African Americans, symbolizing resilience, power, and unity.
### Who is Opal Lee, and what is her connection to Juneteenth?
Opal Lee, born in 1927, has a lifelong connection to the significance of Juneteenth. Her personal experiences and deep commitment to racial justice have fueled her lifelong advocacy for the holiday. A key moment in her activism occurred in 1950 when she participated in a Juneteenth celebration in Fort Worth, Texas. Later, in 2016, at the age of 89, she began a symbolic walk from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. to raise awareness and petition for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. Her walks, often accompanied by supporters and gaining media attention, brought national focus to the cause.
### Why is Opal Lee considered the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"?
Opal Lee is widely recognized as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" due to her relentless, decades-long campaign to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. She dedicated herself to educating people about the historical significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing need for racial equality. Her persistent efforts, including her symbolic walks, petitions, and speeches, brought the Juneteenth movement to the forefront of national consciousness. Her advocacy was a significant factor in building the momentum that led to Congress passing legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
### How did Opal Lee's advocacy lead to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday?
Opal Lee's advocacy was crucial in transforming Juneteenth from a regional commemoration to a nationally recognized federal holiday. By organizing walks, speaking at rallies, and engaging with lawmakers, she amplified the message of Juneteenth's importance. Her efforts, particularly the 2016 walk to Washington D.C., captured national attention and galvanized support for the cause. This sustained pressure and increased public awareness, combined with broader movements for racial justice, created the necessary political will for Congress to pass the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which President Biden signed into law on June 17, 2021.
### How can we honor Juneteenth and the legacy of activists like Opal Lee?
Honoring Juneteenth involves more than just acknowledging the day; it's about understanding its significance and continuing the work for racial justice that Opal Lee and countless others have championed. Ways to honor the holiday include educating yourself and others about the history of slavery and emancipation, supporting Black-owned businesses, participating in community events, and reflecting on the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Engaging with resources that share the stories of those who fought for freedom, like Opal Lee's own journey, is also a powerful way to pay tribute to her legacy and the meaning of Juneteenth.
## References
* https://www.npr.org/2021/06/17/1007345615/opal-lee-juneteenth-grandmother-finally-sees-her-holiday-become-law
* https://www.juneteenth.com/history/
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth
* https://www.thenation.com/article/society/opal-lee-juneteenth-grandmother/
* https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/06/17/president-biden-signs-juneteenth-national-independence-day-act-into-law/
