Opal Lee, a lifelong Texan known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” is recognized by many as a local and national hero. With resilience and determination, 97-year-old Ms. Lee has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about Juneteenth, which commemorates African Americans’ freedom from enslavement, and spearheaded a movement that is making a lasting, historical impact.

During UT Southwestern’s annual Black History Month event, the inspirational and captivating Ms. Lee shared her personal journey of perseverance that led to Juneteenth’s establishment as a national holiday. The event drew nearly 1,000 in-person and online attendees.

Hundreds of UTSW attendees applaud Ms. Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” at the celebratory event.

In a conversation on stage with Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer, Ms. Lee recalled her childhood of attending annual local Juneteenth celebrations. June 19 became a catalyst for Ms. Lee’s life in ways she could not have imagined.

On that date in 1939, when Ms. Lee was 12 years old, her family’s home in Fort Worth, Texas, was destroyed by a mob. In the face of adversity, she refused to let tragedy deter her from making a difference in others’ lives.

“If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love,” she said.

After working as an educator for 30 years, the Fort Worth resident retired and dedicated her time to the community. She continues to devote herself to others, currently serving on numerous boards and contributing to organizations committed to supporting families worldwide.

Ms. Lee is gifted with flowers at the event’s conclusion.

In 2016, Ms. Lee started her Walk for Freedom campaign from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness to celebrate Juneteenth nationally. She walked 2½ miles in multiple cities across the nation to symbolize the 2½ years it took after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation for word to reach and free those still enslaved in Texas.

Her campaign sparked a national movement, culminating in 2021 when legislation was signed into law making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Ms. Lee continues to hold a yearly walk in honor of the date’s significance.

“Juneteenth means freedom for everybody. We can all play a part. We need to become one people to help each other because we can do so much if we put our minds to it,” she said.

UT Southwestern President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., spoke of Ms. Lee’s outstanding achievement and how it ties in with the institution’s values.

“It’s significant that we acknowledge Ms. Lee’s contributions because they resonate with a core value of UT Southwestern: the belief in a single standard of human dignity,” Dr. Podolsky said. “The resonance between our commitment to equity and care means understanding the roots of disparities and how they can be addressed, making this holiday that Ms. Lee championed all the more salient for UT Southwestern.”

Attendees receive copies of Ms. Lee’s book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story.

Ms. Lee announced plans for the National Juneteenth Museum set to open June 19, 2025, in Fort Worth. The 50,000-square-foot cultural center will house a food hall, theater, artifacts, and touring exhibits to represent the joy of emancipation in celebration of the holiday.

“She’s shown us that we all harness the potential to create change in our community and beyond at any age,” Dr. Nesbitt said.

Ms. Lee encouraged UT Southwestern attendees to be of service to others, as this forges a better path for future generations.

“Make yourself a committee of one. As long as I live, I want to see us helping each other. There’s no need for the disparities that exist, and I want to make sure that you play your part,” she said.

In a tribute to her contributions, the Fort Worth family home that was destroyed will be Ms. Lee’s once again. For decades the land stayed uninhabited, until recently when she was gifted it back by Trinity Habitat for Humanity. In collaboration with Texas Capital Foundation and HistoryMaker Homes, the house will be rebuilt and furnished for free, and Ms. Lee plans to live there following its completion.

The UTSW Black History Month program was hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity and the African American Alliance Business Resource Group. The event also included a musical performance by singer Tyrese Franklin and keyboard player Jeremiah Austin. Following the event, attendees had the opportunity to have their photo taken with Ms. Lee and receive copies of her book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story, which educates young audiences on the history and significance of Juneteenth.