Who is Opal Lee? 'Grandmother of Juneteenth' may not be a part of annual walk for freedom after hospitalization

Opal Lee is known to many as "Grandmother of Juneteenth”. In an unfortunate turn of events, Lee will not be able to participate in this year’s walk for freedom as the 98-year-old was recently hospitalized. This will be the first time she will be absent since the Fort Worth, Texas launch in 2016.

Opal Lee was hospitalized last month while traveling to receive the International Freedom Conductor Award on May 23 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Ohio, per KDFW news.

Her granddaughter Dione Sims commented on her absence from this year’s march:

“She’s 98 and the family really wants to keep her in.”

Opal Lee’s health updates seem cautiously optimistic

Opal Lee’s granddaughter also spoke with WFAA regarding her potential absence from this year’s events:

“It is our plan to have Miss Opal in a safe situation as possible, but still able to enjoy the walk that she had the vision for. So, she may be present and she may not. But right now, we're planning on not. But if she is, she'll be in a vehicle.”

This is optimistic news for both Lee and the spirit of all in attendance, as the possibility of her attending in some capacity has not been removed from the table completely. Opal took to social media to show gratitude to all her well-wishers and shared the following message in a post on her official Facebook page:

“Although I am unable to return the many texts and calls I have received over the past few days, please know that each one is appreciated; I am truly grateful for your concern and good wishes.”

Opal Lee was central to developing the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, one of her many accomplishments as a civil rights crusader. Dione Sims is also a member of the museum and spoke on its importance earlier in the year with WFFA:

“The ability for us to impact, you know, not just Fort Worth, but the nation, with the story of Emancipation, wherever it happened. I think that’s the beauty of the National Juneteenth Museum.”

June 19, 1865, marks the day the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told of their freedom, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth officially became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, and this year will mark its 160th anniversary.

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