FORT WORTH, Texas — Although she is 97 years young the grandmother of Juneteenth is ready to put on her walking shoes for a signature walk.
The Opal's Walk for Freedom started in 2020 in Fort Worth. She has participated in the event each year, even when temperatures reached nearly 100 degrees. Ms. Opal is not letting age slow her down.
"I'm not too old to walk," she said.
This year the City of Dallas will welcome Ms. Opal Lee for her Juneteenth march. It's the first time she will lead the walk outside of Fort Worth. So, this year she says she needs one thing from her fellow residents.
"Fort Worth needs to be in Dallas, where we walk together for that two-and-a-half-mile walk," said Ms. Opal, "Don't let me get on my arthritic knees begging you to go to Dallas. I expect to see you."
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker will also travel to Dallas to participate in the Walk for Freedom this year.
It's taking place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 19th, in Fair Park from The African American Museum of Dallas. Adults are welcome to register at www.opalswalk.com. No registration is required for children.
Ms. Opal Lee's Granddaughter Dione Sims explained there is a reason for sharing Ms. Opal with other cities to lead her signature walk. She said the expansion marks the beginning of a national campaign to celebrate the historic day. In 2026, the Grandmother of Juneteenth will lead the Freedom Walk in Washington D.C.
"In 2026, the country turns 250 years old," Dione Sims said, "The goal is to put Juneteenth on a trajectory that gets the visibility of the country, so they understand the significance and relevance of Juneteenth and the fact that Opal's walk for freedom is for everybody. It's part of a greater plan for the unifying and healing of the nation."
Sims wants people to know that Fort Worth is the home base for Ms. Opal. They have Juneteenth events planned for several days in Cowtown for the entire family. You can visit www.juneteenthstrong.com to learn more.
"Juneteenth family reunion weekend kicks off on Friday the 14th and we've got the educational component of Juneteenth. So, when the ancestors found out they were free, they had to make life choices on very little information," said Dione Sims, "We've got four films that we're screening at AMC. A host of food vendors. So, we are not short on celebrating Juneteenth here in Fort Worth."
The weekend will also feature a stage play titled Timmy's Dance at I M Terrell Performing Arts Center on June 14th & 16th, and live music by Barry & The Soulflakes on Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth, along with other entertainment for the entire family. So, when it comes to the Freedom Walk in Dallas, the last thing Ms. Opal wants is not having representation from her hometown.
"Please, Fort Worth, don't embarrass me by not going," Ms. Opal Lee said, "Be there because I planned to be there."