Opal Lee, adorned with a flower lei and flanked by family and friends, celebrated her 100th birthday on June 7, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. This milestone coincided with the groundbreaking ceremony for a museum dedicated to Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The National Juneteenth Museum, projected to span 50,000 square feet, is set to open in 2029 and will be located in a historically Black neighborhood.
The festivities were elevated by a scheduled appearance from former First Lady Michelle Obama, who was expected to honor Lee later that day. Lee's efforts were crucial in the movement to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday, culminating in a law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. At that signing, Lee stood proudly beside Biden, a visible reminder of her lifelong dedication to civil rights.
“I’m so happy I could do a holy dance,” Lee said during the celebration. “These old legs won’t respond, but let me tell you how thankful I am and that this deed won’t go unnoticed.” Her gratitude was amplified by a $3 million donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant contribution to the museum's development.
Lee's roots in Fort Worth run deep, where she has spent decades as a teacher, counselor, and community activist. Her childhood memories of Juneteenth celebrations—filled with food, music, and games—have remained a guiding force throughout her life. U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee H. Toliver acknowledged Lee's impact, stating, “Long before there were historic walks, cameras, books and well-deserved national acclaim, my childhood memories are filled with you making sure that Fort Worth remembered.”
The future site of the museum holds personal significance for Lee. It sits near the lot where her family was violently forced out in 1939 by a white mob shortly after they moved into a white neighborhood. At just 12 years old, Lee witnessed the chaos as the mob descended on her family's home, shattering windows and destroying belongings. This traumatic event has shaped her lifelong commitment to ensuring that history is recognized and remembered.
Jarred Howard, CEO of the museum, emphasized the importance of celebrating Lee's legacy on her birthday. “It was important for us to do this on this date because everything we’ve done for the last several years, everything we continue to do, is built around the spirit of the venerable Miss Opal Lee,” he said.
Lee's influence extends beyond the local community. Her advocacy for Juneteenth has sparked a national conversation about the significance of this date, which marks June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the order declaring freedom for enslaved people. This moment came two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation and was followed by the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which permanently abolished slavery in the United States.
As the celebrations unfolded, the atmosphere in Fort Worth radiated joy and gratitude. Lee, reflecting on her journey, remains a symbol of resilience and hope. Her unwavering commitment to civil rights and the celebration of Juneteenth has inspired generations. The forthcoming museum will serve as a testament to her legacy and the ongoing fight for equality and recognition.
Lee’s birthday party was not just a personal milestone; it was a rallying point for those who have fought for justice and equality. The construction of the National Juneteenth Museum signifies a step towards ensuring that the history of Juneteenth is preserved and honored for future generations. As Lee continues to advocate for her community, her story stands as a reminder of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
According to TheShadeRoom.
