We continue to highlight the history of Juneteenth today with the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee! Opal Lee, a 97-year-old activist, fervently championed the cause of making Juneteenth a national holiday for decades. Her unwavering dedication bore fruit in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed a bill establishing June 19th as a federal holiday to honor the end of slavery in the United States. Due to her tireless efforts, she earned the endearing title "The Grandmother of Juneteenth" and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. In 2016, Opal Lee garnered global attention through her symbolic walks from her residence in Fort Worth, Texas, to the U.S. capital, advocating for Juneteenth's national observance. She also spearheaded an online petition that amassed 1.6 million signatures in support of the same cause. Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1926, Lee witnessed the harrowing event of her home being set ablaze by white rioters on June 19, 1939. This pivotal incident inspired ...