On 7 October, the former First Lady, Michelle Obama, commemorated a significant milestone by celebrating the 100th birthday of Dr. Opal Lee, a prominent civil rights activist widely recognised as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” The celebration took place during a special speaker series at the Fort Worth Convention Centre and raised funds for the forthcoming National Juneteenth Museum.
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During the event, Obama reflected on her experiences in the White House. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, as she discussed the challenges she faced and emphasised the importance of empowering future generations. This theme closely mirrors the lifelong mission of Lee, who dedicated decades to advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.
Sharing moments from the occasion on social media, Obama expressed her admiration for Lee. “Wishing a very happy 100th birthday to the iconic Opal Lee! Our nation owes you a deep debt of gratitude for your lifelong leadership lifting up Black communities and preserving our history, including the fight to make Juneteenth a national holiday. It was such a privilege to get to celebrate with you today,” she wrote, underscoring Lee’s significant impact.
Opal Lee has long been an outspoken advocate for Juneteenth, a celebration marking the day in 1865 when the last enslaved individuals in Texas learned of their freedom, effectively ending centuries of slavery in the United States. For Lee, the cause is intensely personal; in her youth, her family home was destroyed by rioters on Juneteenth in 1939. Her perseverance finally paid off in 2021 when President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Reflecting on the monumental achievement, Lee described her emotions to CBS affiliate KTVT, saying, “I’ve got so many different feelings all gurgling up in here. I don’t know what to call them all. I am so delighted to know that suddenly we’ve got a Juneteenth. It’s not a Texas thing or a Black thing. It’s an American thing.” Her sentiment captures the spirit of unity that Juneteenth embodies.
In addition to her advocacy, Lee has engaged in symbolic acts to raise awareness, including a notable two-and-a-half-mile walk intended to signify the two-and-a-half years it took for the news of emancipation to reach enslaved individuals across the United States. While health challenges prevented her participation in the planned walk in 2025, her contributions remain an inspiring part of her legacy.
Recognition of Lee’s efforts has come in various forms. In May 2024, President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian accolade in the United States, in recognition of her relentless work to establish Juneteenth as a national holiday. Additionally, that same month, she was bestowed with her eighth honorary doctorate, receiving a Doctor of Humane Letters from Southern Methodist University.
As the celebrations concluded, it was clear that Lee’s story and her enduring fight for justice continue to resonate with many. Her life’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the history of African Americans in the broader narrative of American history.
The new National Juneteenth Museum is set to provide a dedicated space for education and remembrance, ensuring that the story of Juneteenth and its significance is preserved for future generations. With the momentum generated by events such as Lee’s centenary celebration, advocates hope that the ongoing fight for equality and recognition will inspire further progress in the community.
As the country observes Juneteenth, it stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of those like Dr. Opal Lee, who not only fought for their own rights but also advocated for the collective recognition of a critical chapter in American history.