At 98, Opal Lee, fondly known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” remains a towering figure in the fight for equality and historical recognition. Her annual Walk for Freedom, set for June 19, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, draws thousands to honor the 2.5 years it took for news of emancipation to reach enslaved people in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Recent updates indicate that health challenges may prevent Opal Lee from physically leading this year’s walk, but her granddaughter, Dione Sims, will carry the torch, ensuring the event’s mission endures. This article dives into the latest developments surrounding Opal Lee and her transformative impact on Juneteenth celebrations.
Opal Lee’s Health and the 2025 Walk for Freedom
Recent reports have stirred concern among Opal Lee’s supporters. In May 2025, the 98-year-old activist was hospitalized during a trip to Ohio, where she received the International Freedom Conductor Award. While she’s now recovering at home in Fort Worth, her family prioritizes her well-being, especially with high temperatures forecast for Juneteenth. Dione Sims, Opal Lee’s granddaughter and president of Unity Unlimited, Inc., shared that Lee may participate virtually or from a vehicle, if at all. This marks the first time since the walk began in 2016 that Opal Lee might not lead in person. Despite this, Sims is determined to uphold her grandmother’s vision, rallying the community to join the 2.5-mile walk starting at Farrington Field at 9 a.m. on June 19.
The event, a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s Juneteenth festivities, symbolizes the delay between the Emancipation Proclamation and freedom’s arrival in Texas. Organizers expect over 1,000 participants, with a vibrant after-party featuring music, food vendors, and educational materials. For those unable to attend, virtual participation options allow global supporters to walk 2.5 miles in their own communities, amplifying Opal Lee’s message of unity and freedom.
Key Points Summary
- Event Date: June 19, 2025, at Farrington Field, Fort Worth.
- Health Update: Opal Lee, 98, may not lead due to recent hospitalization but could participate virtually.
- Leadership: Dione Sims will lead the 2.5-mile walk, continuing Lee’s legacy.
- Participation: Over 1,000 expected in-person, with virtual options available globally.
- Purpose: Commemorates the delay in emancipation news reaching Texas in 1865.
Expanding Opal Lee’s Vision Nationwide
Opal Lee’s influence extends far beyond Fort Worth. Her walks, now held in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Tokyo, aim to educate about Juneteenth’s significance. In 2024, the walk took place in Dallas, a strategic move to test its expansion to other cities. Plans are underway for a 2026 walk in Washington, D.C., coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary and Opal Lee’s 100th birthday. Dione Sims envisions an “Opal’s Walk” in one city in each of the 50 states by 2026, cementing Juneteenth as a national unifier. This ambition reflects Lee’s lifelong motto: “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.”
The National Juneteenth Museum, set to open in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside in 2026, is another pillar of Opal Lee’s legacy. The museum will preserve the history of emancipation and promote education on systemic issues like racism and inequality. Sims emphasizes its global impact, noting it will serve not just Fort Worth but the nation. A portion of each walk registration fee ($6.19) supports this project, ensuring Opal Lee’s vision endures for future generations.
A Life of Resilience and Advocacy
Opal Lee’s journey is one of resilience. At 12, she witnessed a mob burn her family’s Fort Worth home on Juneteenth 1939, a traumatic event that fueled her activism. At 89, she walked from Texas to Washington, D.C., collecting 1.5 million signatures to petition for Juneteenth’s federal recognition. Her efforts culminated in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, with Lee by his side. In 2024, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and an honorary doctorate from SMU, her eighth. These accolades underscore her role as a living legend, inspiring communities worldwide.
Despite her age and recent health setbacks, Opal Lee’s spirit remains unshaken. Her message—that “none of us are free until we’re all free”—resonates in every step of the Walk for Freedom. Whether she’s present in person or virtually, her presence will inspire the thousands gathering to honor Juneteenth’s past and future.
Join the Movement
Opal Lee’s Walk for Freedom is more than a march; it’s a call to reflect on freedom’s meaning and the work still ahead. Whether you’re in Fort Worth or halfway across the globe, you can join the 2025 walk in person or virtually. Register today to walk 2.5 miles, celebrate community, and support the National Juneteenth Museum. Let’s honor Opal Lee’s legacy by taking steps toward unity and equality.