Opal Lee, affectionately known as the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ is set to release her new memoir, ‘A Committee of One: How Faith + Action = A PurposeFULL Life,’ on June 2. This release comes just in time for the Juneteenth holiday, a significant event that Lee played a pivotal role in establishing as a federal holiday.

Local Legacy and National Impact

Fort Worth, Texas, will once again host the annual 2.5-mile Juneteenth walk, an event that Lee, now 99, will participate in by riding along. Lee’s dedication to this cause is a testament to her lifelong commitment to faith-driven activism and community service. Her granddaughter, Dione Sims, who has been by her side for over a decade, expressed pride in continuing Lee’s legacy and excitement for the memoir’s release.

Juneteenth: A Federal Holiday

Juneteenth commemorates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas and was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Lee’s efforts were instrumental in this recognition, and her memoir delves into the pivotal moments of her life as a teacher, activist, and humanitarian.

A Nationwide Vision

Sims hopes to see the Juneteenth walk expand across the nation, with events already planned in Texas, California, Oregon, Illinois, and Washington D.C. The goal is to have all 50 states represented by 2030. ‘We are inviting everybody to come out and walk with her,’ Sims said, emphasizing the inclusive and unifying spirit of the event.

Lee’s memoir not only chronicles her personal journey but also serves as a call to action, encouraging others to find purpose through faith and community engagement. As the Juneteenth holiday approaches, her story is a reminder of the power of individual initiative in shaping history and fostering community spirit.

Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.