History of Opal Lee in Timeline

Opal Lee is a retired teacher, counselor, and activist known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth" for her pivotal role in advocating for its recognition as a federal holiday. Her tireless efforts involved walking from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington D.C. to raise awareness and gather support for the cause. Lee's dedication stems from her personal experience witnessing the desecration of her family's home by a mob on Juneteenth when she was a child. Her activism finally culminated in President Joe Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in American history.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1921: Lynching of Fred Rouse

In 1921, Fred Rouse, a Black man, was lynched by a mob in Fort Worth. Opal Lee is a founding board member of Transform 1012 N. Main Street, working to turn a former Ku Klux Klan auditorium into the Fred Rouse Center and Museum for Arts and Community Healing.

October 7, 1926: Opal Lee's birth

On October 7, 1926, Opal Lee, an American retired teacher, counselor, and activist, was born. She is known for her work to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday and is often called the "grandmother of Juneteenth".

Others born on this day/year

June 1939: Family Buys Home in White Area

In June 1939, Opal Lee's parents purchased a house in the 900 block of East Annie Street, which was then a predominantly white neighborhood.

June 19, 1939: Home Vandalized in Race Riot

On June 19, 1939, when Opal Lee was twelve years old, a mob of 500 white rioters vandalized and burned down her family's home on East Annie Street. This event occurred on Juneteenth and spurred her activism later in life.

1943: Graduation from High School

In 1943, at the age of 16, Opal Lee graduated from I.M. Terrell High School, which was Fort Worth's first black high school. She subsequently married and had four children, but the marriage ended in divorce after five years.

1952: Graduation from Wiley College

In 1952, Opal Lee graduated from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, earning her Bachelor's degree in elementary education. She then began teaching at Amanda McCoy Elementary School.

1967: Marriage to Dale Lee

In 1967, Opal Lee married Dale Lee. At the time, she was a teacher at McCoy Elementary School, and he was the principal at Morningside Elementary.

1976: Involvement in Community Causes

Following her retirement from teaching in 1976, Opal Lee became actively involved in various community causes in Fort Worth.

1977: Retirement from Fort Worth ISD

In 1977, Opal Lee retired from the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) after working as an educator for fifteen years and a home school counselor for nine years.

1994: Unity Unlimited Inc. Founded

In 1994, Opal Lee's non-profit organization, Unity Unlimited Inc., was founded and has been in operation since.

2000: Unity Unlimited, Inc. Officially Incorporated

In 2000, Unity Unlimited, Inc., Opal Lee's non-profit organization, was officially incorporated.

September 2016: Symbolic Walk to Washington, D.C. Begins

In September 2016, at the age of 89, Opal Lee began a symbolic walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. to advocate for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday.

January 2017: Arrival in Washington, D.C.

In January 2017, Opal Lee arrived in Washington, D.C., completing her symbolic walk from Fort Worth to advocate for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. She hoped to speak directly with President Barack Obama.

2019: Formation of Transform 1012 N. Main Street

In 2019, Transform 1012 N. Main Street, a coalition of Fort Worth nonprofit and arts organizations, was formed. Opal Lee is a founding board member, working to turn a former Ku Klux Klan auditorium into the Fred Rouse Center and Museum for Arts and Community Healing.

June 2021: Juneteenth Bill Signing Ceremony

In June 2021, at the age of 94, Opal Lee attended the bill signing ceremony where Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday. She was an honored guest, received the first pen used by President Joe Biden to sign the bill, and received a standing ovation.

June 17, 2021: Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S. 475 into law, officially making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday in the United States.

2021: "Texan of the Year" Award

In 2021, Opal Lee was named the "Texan of the Year" by The Dallas Morning News for her activism on behalf of Black Texans. She was also featured in the 2021 book Unsung Heroes for her work with a food bank, farm, and community garden during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2022: Acquisition of Building by Transform 1012 N. Main Street

In January 2022, Transform 1012 N. Main Street, with Opal Lee as a founding board member, announced the acquisition of a former Ku Klux Klan auditorium to turn it into the Fred Rouse Center and Museum for Arts and Community Healing.

May 14, 2023: Honorary Doctorate from the University of North Texas

On May 14, 2023, Opal Lee received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of North Texas.

May 11, 2024: Honorary Doctorate from Southern Methodist University

On May 11, 2024, Opal Lee received an honorary doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

2024: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2024, Opal Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden for her decades of activism and contributions.

2024: Opal Lee Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2024, Opal Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, which is the Nation's highest civilian honor, recognizing her lifetime of work and dedication.