Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee, Shares the Importance of this Historic Holiday | Southern Icons

33,525

630 0

Published 2021-05-24

Opal Lee, known in Fort Worth as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth", is a 94-year-old trailblazer on a mission to generate greater recognition for Juneteenth across the United States. Opal has dedicated her life to educating others about the history of Juneteenth, while also encouraging them to celebrate this historic holiday each year. The Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery on September 22, 1862, but slaves in Texas did not know that they had been freed. So, Juneteenth was first celebrated on June 19th, 1865, when General Gordon Granger and 7,000 black troops journeyed to tell 250,000 black enslaved people in Galveston, TX that they were free. Opal Lee leads a 2.5-mile march from Downtown Fort Worth, TX to signify the remaining length of time that these slaves in Texas were left in bondage. Today, Juneteenth symbolizes freedom, and it is a call to action for unity. Therefore, Opal Lee is currently advocating for Juneteenth’s consideration as a paid federal holiday! Tune in to learn more about this historic day, and how Opal Lee encourages others to work together to eradicate the racial disparity experienced in this country.

"None of us are free until we are all free, and freedom is what we still have to work towards." - Opal Lee

#Juneteenth #History #BlackHistory #Holiday #OpalLee

0:00 Introduction
0:17 What is Juneteenth?
1:28 How Dr. Ronald Myers impacted Juneteenth celebrations
2:15 Opal Lee's plans for Juneteenth 2021
2:48 Opal Lee's experience with racism on Juneteenth as a child
4:02 Miss Opal has hope for the next generation
4:40 Plans to make Juneteenth a National Federal Holiday
5:21 Opal Lee's Final Thoughts for freedom

Learn more about Opal Lee's mission here: www.southernliving.com/culture/opal-lee-grandmothe…

Follow Opal Lee on Instagram @TheRealOpalLee

Want to see more Southern Living videos? Subscribe to our channel! - goo.gl/JJ5WqY

Barbecue has always been the vehicle for a social gathering in the South. Watch Robby Melvin, Southern Living's Test Kitchen Director, chat with iconic Southerners while making a range of BBQ dishes.
   • BBQ&A | The Best Southern BBQ

Traditional does not mean stuffy in the home of Southern Living test kitchen pro Ivy Odom. This Georgia-bred millennial can fish, throw a mean SEC tailgate, and even knows her way around a pigsty. In each episode, Ivy shares stories, customs, and recipes from growing up in the Deep South but always adds her own modern spin.
   • Hey Y'all

From hot takes on the South's most intriguing real estate listings to hunting for treasures at estate sales and touring the region's most spectacular homes, Southern Living style editor Betsy Cribb is up for it all. Home-obsessed Betsy keeps it real whether she's doling out opinions on Tyler Perry's Atlanta mansion or exploring Southern estates.
   • Hey Y'all

In 1966, Southern Living was created to highlight the beauty and culture of the growing South. In the decades since its inception, Southern Living, published monthly, has become one of the largest lifestyle magazines in the country. With characteristic Southern hospitality, Southern Living is committed to sharing the region we love with our readers, no matter where they may live.

All Comments (21)

@southernliving 3 years ago

Thanks for watching! Learn more about Miss Opal Lee's mission to highlight the Juneteenth holiday, here: www.southernliving.com/culture/opal-lee-grandmothe…
@sherriebrown1387 3 days ago

What a lesson in the history of Juneteenth. Opal is a joy to learn from and will go down in history for her efforts and I pray the manifestation of a National holiday for this most awesome day in American history 😊
@Ceedeetunis 3 years ago

A tireless advocate of freedom and equality. She is so elegant!
@lindaj713 3 years ago

Her gentleness speaks volume. Thank you for the history lesson. Such a beautiful soul.
@LindaMitchell 1 year ago

Thank you for this interview! I wish that certain politicians weren't afraid to teach all of our American History in public schools. It's ashamed that so many students don't learn about our history.
@mskleftwich 3 years ago

“None of us are free until we are all free” 🙏❤️
@mishonlandry2785 3 years ago

Ms. Opal Lee has been a friend of family for many decades and we are so very proud of the work she has been doing in the community!
@SueSueRen 1 month ago

Praise God! I was born FREE and I’ll scream it from the rooftops.
@placeholder_name321 11 days ago

Great history lesson! Thank you thank you
@Blueberry40 3 years ago

God bless you Miss Lee. Today is your day.
@carriecolquit3532 1 year ago

Amen I don't want to fight no more I'm tired of it so help me God 🙏🙏🙏
@robynd7656 3 years ago

Thank you, Southern Living, for posting this.
@tonyawykle4966 3 years ago

Thank you southern living, have a great day!! Xoxo ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😘😚 princess
@biancaredifer6570 2 years ago

I give honor to you mother Opal. Thank you!
@gennarosenberg1083 2 years ago

Ms. Opal Lee is my hero!
@0110Nay 3 years ago

This past Thursday was emancipation day for the state of Florida
@cookiegilcrest1000 2 years ago

FAIR HOUSING, PRISON REFORM, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, HEALTH CARE.
@barrieevans890 3 years ago

Ms. Opal, you are a great champion for history. You have a strong message. Thank you, too, for showing how vital we can be in our 90s.
@Carmelmen1 3 years ago

God bless this woman!
@garymclaughin 2 years ago

Southern living is what's this is called. In the Yukon we celebrate because longest day of the year sit up top of the mountain you can see it sun goes down for 20 minutes comes up on the East. Good Job celebrate end of June and first part of July American history and freedom for all going forward for everyone. Sawadee Khap.🤠