Every year, the Biden Institute celebrates women who have made a positive impact in Delaware and beyond. This year, we’re honoring Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” to celebrate her successful campaign to make June 19th a federal holiday. Juneteenth recognizes when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas in 1865 – 2½ years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Five years ago, Ms. Lee walked 1400 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the national holiday. This year, President Biden signed legislation marking Juneteenth as a federal holiday with Ms. Lee standing beside him. Join us as we celebrate her achievements and hear first-hand the story of her advocacy, persistence, and success and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the Juneteenth holiday.
At 94 years-young, Ms. Lee is living proof that no matter your age, you can make a difference!

In-Person Event [Livestream Available]
Mitchell Hall – 134 The Green, Newark, DE 19716

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.ube.org/dfc/newsdetail_2/3208506