Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth, to Miss Annual Walk for Freedom Due to Health Concerns

Juneteenth Celebration Update

• 📌 Opal Lee, known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," will not lead this year's annual Walk for Freedom in Fort Worth.
• ⚠️ The decision comes less than 48 hours before the event, primarily due to doctor's concerns for her health and forecasted heat.

Opal Lee's Health and Participation

• 🏥 Miss Lee was hospitalized in May for a minor health issue and has been recovering at home.
• 💻 Her granddaughter stated that her primary focus is Opal's health and safety.
• 🚗 If unable to attend in person, Opal Lee may participate virtually or in a vehicle, rather than walking the full two and a half miles.

Significance of the Walk for Freedom

• 🗓️ The Walk for Freedom honors the two and a half year delay between the Emancipation Proclamation and the freedom of enslaved people in Texas.
• ✊ Opal Lee's advocacy was instrumental in President Joe Biden officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
• 🏅 Her granddaughter will lead the two and a half mile walk in her honor at Fort Worth's Farrington Field on Thursday, starting at 9:00 a.m.

Related Content

• 📺 A full interview with Opal Lee's granddaughter, Dion Sims, discussing her grandmother's health and legacy, is available on the WFA Plus streaming app.