Opal Lee
American activist / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Opal Lee (born October 7, 1926) is an American retired teacher, counselor, and activist in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday. She is often described as the "grandmother of Juneteenth".[2]
Quick Facts Born, Education ...
Opal Lee | |
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Born | (1926-10-07) October 7, 1926 (age 97)[1] Marshall, Texas, U.S. |
Education | Wiley College (BA), North Texas State University (MA) |
Occupation(s) | Activist Counselor |
Known for | "Grandmother of Juneteenth" |
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On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S. 475, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday.[3] Then, in 2024, Biden awarded Lee the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Nation's highest civilian honor.[4][5]