Opal Lee, the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' hosts annual walk in Fort Worth
FORT WORTH, Texas - Thousands across the country are honoring Juneteenth in different ways.
In North Texas, many hit the pavement to celebrate with the woman who helped make it a federal holiday.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom is a 2.5-mile walk in Fort Worth’s historic south side neighborhood.
It represents the two-and-a-half years it took to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas and free the slaves here.
The walk is named in honor of Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth."
She campaigned for years to have June 19 declared a federal holiday. That officially happened in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed it into law.
"The empowerment to do better, be better, live in a better society. What we do today impacts our present and our future. But if you don't know the past, how can you impact the present and the future," said Relius Johnson, the chair of volunteers for Opal's Walk for Freedom.
"It's absolutely amazing and what makes it even better is Opal's presence. She has such a big presence for such a small lady. And she is so sweet. And, I mean, she brings the joy to this day that all of us deserve. Everybody deserves for this day," added Jacob Lane, a participant.
"I didn’t realize she was 96. I thought she was in her 70s or something like that," said supporter Jason Write. "When I saw it on TV last year, I said that is so inspiring. I had to when I realized I’m around the corner from Fort Worth in Dallas, I had to be here to do the walk with her."
Lee’s granddaughter, Dione Sims is exuberant and grateful.
"Thank you, Fort Worth. Thank you, DFW. I want to thank the nation for embracing my grandmother and what Juneteenth means," she said.
Sims explains how the heat precautions for her grandmother during the walk were a priority.
"We had to put her in the vehicle to help her get along," she said. But she walked a good chunk of it because it was hot. And we were very concerned about her health, but she did it. She did it."
The post-walk activities included supporters, dignitaries, the young and young at heart braving the hot temperatures along with Lee.
"I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper," she said. "I am destined for greatness."
There was an appearance by Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall.
"Our motto around all of this is listen, learn, unite. Thank you for bringing us all together. The Dallas Mavericks support you," she said.
Ms. Lee said now she wants the walk to bring awareness to the past and shine a line on other issues including joblessness, homelessness, food insecurity, and climate change.
Proceeds from Opal’s Walk go to the National Juneteenth Museum, which will be built in Fort Worth. Construction is set to begin soon and is expected to take about two years.
There was also a virtual walk at www.juneteenthftw.com/opalswalkforfreedom for those who couldn't attend.
MedStar says it treated nearly two dozen people due to the heat that were removed from the walk and taken to a cooling station. Two people had to go to the hospital.
Free admission at Fort Worth Botanic Gardens on Juneteenth
The Fort Worth Botanic Gardens is also welcoming visitors for free in honor of Juneteenth.
This is the second year in a row the botanical garden will waive admission fees on the federal holiday.
The garden’s president said they’re proud to celebrate the day in Fort Worth, the home of Lee and the future National Juneteenth Museum.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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The customer care kiosk and the Trinity Metro administrative offices are closed.