Episode 367: Hoes of History: Opal Lee

Opal Lee is the grandmother of Juneteenth and a living symbol of perseverance, justice, and hope. Born in 1926 in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee's childhood was shaped by both love and trauma. At just 12 years old, she watched a white mob burn her family's home to the ground on Juneteenth—a moment that would mark her life, but never define her limits. Instead of turning away from the pain, Opal turned toward purpose. A longtime educator, counselor, and community organizer, Opal Lee spent decades advocating for equity in housing, education, and civil rights. But it was in her late 80s—when many people slow down—that she ignited a national movement. At 89, she began walking from Texas to Washington, D.C., to demand that Juneteenth be recognized as a federal holiday. Her determination, kindness, and moral clarity captured the nation's attention and helped lead to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]