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Opal Lee
Ninety-four-year-old activist Opal Lee has been known to go big for Juneteenth every year. This year, the celebration's getting even bigger.
Lee and nonprofit Unity Unlimited have announced a month-long celebration of Juneteenth, featuring a full slate of programming scheduled from June 4 – June 30. Juneteenth itself is June 19, commemorating June 19, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned that they were free following the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. So far, 47 states acknowledge Juneteenth as a holiday.
In Fort Worth, Opal Lee will once again make her annual walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., raising awareness for Juneteenth in hopes of making it a national holiday. Other events this year include a festival at Panther Island Pavilion, Miss Juneteenth Pageant, and arts showcase.
Here's the full schedule of activities.
Ecumenial Service, June 4
Honoring of the first freed man's church service, worship and prayer — the Lillian Bush Memorial Juneteenth Ecumenial Service — will take place at Broadway Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m.
Miss Juneteenth Pageant, June 5
The Miss Juneteenth Pageant will crown one young woman with the title and also grant scholarships to help contestants further their education. The crowning event is scheduled for June 5. Ticket information is available here.
By the Block, June 11
The By the Block event, taking place at Will Rogers Auditorium, will feature seven successful entrepreneurs and CEOs who'll be sharing their insight on building careers and businesses. The event will also introduce Maria Hammack, who'll talk about the international connection to Juneteenth celebrations in Mexico. Ticket information is available here.
Opal's Walk LIVE, June 19
Per tradition, Lee will walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., in an effort to raise awareness for making Juneteenth a national holiday. Her walk will kick off on Juneteenth itself, starting with a trek from downtown to the Near Southside — 2.5 miles in honor of the 2.5 years it took for Texas slaves to learn they were free. Others are welcome to join, walking alongside her or following by car in a caravan. The event will also be livestreamed nationally. Registration information is available here.
Juneteenth FTW 2021 Festival, June 19
A big Juneteenth party will take place on Juneteenth itself at Panther Island Pavilion, featuring food, drinks, live music, and a kids' zone, rounded out with a fireworks show in the evening. Ticket information is available here.
Youth Art Competition & Exhibition, June 16 – July 7
This student art competition and exhibit will showcase works inspired by the 12 freedoms slaves gained after Juneteenth. Elementary, middle, and high school students are welcome to participate, and works will be on display at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. More information here.
Your Voice Unleashed, June 21 – June 25
Another event geared towards youth, this free, week-long fine arts workshop and concert are meant to expose kids to other cultures and open discussion about prejudice, diversity, and how to overcome these obstacles. Details here.
More information about each event and sponsorship opportunities are available at juneteenthftw.com.
This article has been updated from a previous version.
