Quick Info
| Profession | Retired teacher, counselor, and activist |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 07/10/1926 |
| Age | 100 years |
| Birthplace | Marshall, Texas, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
Latest News about Opal Lee
07/10/2026
Opal Lee marked her 100th birthday in Fort Worth, Texas, with celebrations in her hometown. She attended the groundbreaking for the National Juneteenth Museum, and former First Lady Michelle Obama headlined an evening event honoring her. Lee said she intends to keep advocating for social causes, though she now makes fewer public appearances.
19/06/2025
Opal Lee was publicly honored during 2025 Juneteenth observances as a central figure in the campaign that helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Coverage emphasized her enduring symbolic role as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" and her lasting influence on the holiday's recognition.
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Bio/Wiki
| Known For | Activism to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Grandmother of Juneteenth |
Personal Life
| Birth Name | Opal Lee |
|---|---|
| Maiden Name | Flake |
Family
| Children | Mother of four |
|---|---|
| Granddaughter | Dione Sims (runs Unity Unlimited Inc.) |
Career
| Occupation | Teacher, counselor, activist |
|---|---|
| Notable Work | Juneteenth federal holiday campaign |
| Recognition | Played a key role in the movement that led to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday |
| Additional Recognition | Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024 |
| Nobel Peace Prize | Nominated in 2022 |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. She is widely known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth". | |
| 2. She was present when the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act was signed into law in 2021. | |
| 3. Her walking campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday began in 2016 and later became an annual event. | |
| 4. Her family's home was set on fire by white rioters on Juneteenth in 1939. | |
| 5. She walked roughly 1,400 miles from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., in 2016 to press for the holiday. |
