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11h ago

Opal Lee to Skip Fort Worth Walk for Freedom and Participate Remotely

Recovering from a recent hospitalization, Lee will observe the annual Fort Worth Juneteenth march remotely under her granddaughter’s leadership.

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The walk participants led by Dione Sims, the granddaughter of Opal Lee, begin to walk on their route for the Opal Lee Walk for Freedom at Farrington Field in Fort Worth on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Opal Lee, 98, (center) will not attend this year’s Walk of Freedom, recognizing the Juneteenth holiday, due to health concerns, but she plans to participate virtually. She’s shown here at the walk in 2023.
Opal Lee, nicknamed 'Grandmother of Juneteenth' will skip the annual Walk for Freedom march this year

Overview

  • Lee’s absence marks the first time she will not physically lead the Walk for Freedom since launching it in 2016.
  • The 98-year-old was hospitalized in Ohio last month while en route to receive the International Freedom Conductor Award.
  • Faced with health concerns and high temperatures forecast for June 19, Lee will join the event through live remote connection.
  • Dione Sims, president of Unity Unlimited Inc. and Lee’s granddaughter, will guide participants on the 2.5-mile route from Farrington Field.
  • The annual walk symbolizes the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth and honors the two-and-a-half-year delay in emancipation news reaching Texas slaves.