City Of Fort Worth: New Juneteenth Federal Holiday Has Strong Fort Worth Ties

Press release from City of Fort Worth:

June 18, 2021

On Thursday, President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which designates Juneteenth as a legal public holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, in accordance with President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

Fort Worth activist Opal Lee, 94, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, walked from her home to Washington, D.C., five years ago to campaign for a federal Juneteenth holiday. She annually leads walks in Fort Worth to stress the importance of observing Juneteenth.

This year’s walk is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 19, beginning at Evans Avenue Plaza, 1050 Evans Ave. Visit Fort Worth is hosting Breakfast with Opal Lee before the walk, from 8-10 a.m. Saturday. The pre-walk event at Evans Avenue Plaza is free to attend, with a $15 donation for breakfast.

Mayor Mattie Parker and the City Council issued a joint statement on the importance of the Juneteenth holiday and applauding the decision to recognize the data as a federal holiday:

“The City of Fort Worth commends the United States Congress and President Joe Biden for the nonpartisan legislation recognizing Juneteenth as an official federal holiday. This movement, long overdue, was spearheaded by lifelong Fort Worth resident Opal Lee, who has waited 94 years to witness this moment in history.

“This legislation is historic for our country, and we are committed in Fort Worth to making sure this is more than just ceremonial. Juneteenth is a single, critical step of a much longer journey to understanding the history of enslaved people and how we move forward.

“Opal Lee embodies the best of humanity — determination, character and an indomitable spirit. Opal Lee is a teacher, author, activist and pillar of the Fort Worth community who has dedicated her life to service above self. We as a city are committed to standing united with Opal Lee’s vision of a world that could be. We challenge every business, organization and individual in our community and beyond to lock arms with us and do the same.”

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This press release was produced by City of Fort Worth. The views expressed here are the author’s own.