Opal Lee

October 7, 1926

Known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee’s rock solid constitution was shaped as a result of her family’s brand new home being burned to the ground on Juneteenth in 1939 when she was 12 years old. For decades, Opal Lee campaigned to make Juneteenth a national holiday. She never doubted it would happen one day, but she was determined to see it occur during her lifetime.

During 2021, then United States President Joe Biden finally signed a bill into law declaring June 19th a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America.

Beyond February is an online celebration and appreciation through social media images chronologically posted to maintain and increase awareness of institutions, moments and people who have made valued contributions to moving America’s cultural needle.

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Made possible by the Wallace Foundation's Cultural Sustainability Fund: Community Roots Program.

Additional support provided by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.