just a rag doll!

Happy Juneteenth 2026

For Juneteenth this year, I'd like to share some information about a woman who few may have heard of. Her name is Dr. Opal Lee and she is considered the Grandmother of Juneteenth. She is still alive today as of June 19th 2026 at 99 years old!

Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Dr. Opal Lee was present on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act bill that established June 19 or “Juneteenth” a federal holiday. Ms. Lee said on that day, “Now we can celebrate freedom from the 19th of June to the 4th of July!” Opal Lee was born in Marshal, Texas, in 1926 and moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1937. At the age of 12, her family’s home was destroyed on June 19, 1939, but she nor her family allowed that to deter them from making an impact in the community.

Keep reading: National Women's History Museum: Dr. Opal Lee

More resources:

Ted Ed VIDEO: What is Juneteenth, and why is it important?

Learn more about Juneteenth (Post by CreatingBlackCharacters, with WWC reblogged commentary)