06/19/2026
Today, as we celebrate Juneteenth, we also celebrate a woman whose tireless dedication helped make this day a national holiday.
The Business Press was honored to recognize and celebrate ✨ Ms. Opal Lee ✨ at our recent Great Women of Texas event. Known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," Opal Lee spent decades advocating for national recognition of June 19, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
At the age of 89, she began walking hundreds of miles each year to raise awareness for the cause, inspiring people across the nation. Her persistence and unwavering commitment led to a historic moment in 2021 when Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday.
Her legacy is a powerful reminder that one person can create meaningful change for generations to come.
Thank you, Ms. Opal Lee, for your leadership, perseverance, and dedication to preserving this important chapter of American history. ❤️🖤💚
Happy Juneteenth from The Business Press.