Walk-It! - Opal Lee "The Grandmother of Juneteenth"
Delivering my custom portrait to Opal Lee
Delivering "Walk It" to Opal Lee in person was an unforgettable experience, a moment filled with deep gratitude and respect for her incredible legacy. Captured in a heartfelt video, the exchange highlights her resilience and vision.
To deepen the tribute, I drove to Galveston to collect soil from the original Juneteenth site, incorporating it into the artwork to preserve a tangible link to this historic moment of freedom.
About "Walk-it!"
"Walk It," a homage to Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," celebrates her dedication and impact, including her 2016 walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., and the 2021 recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
Featuring the Texas star, nova star, Lee's rebuilt home, and soil from Galveston, "Walk It" honors her resilience and the fight for justice. It also commemorates her 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Soil from the original Juneteenth site
In a personal journey, I traveled to one of the original Juneteenth sites in Galveston, TX, to collect and embed soil from this historic location into the artwork. This addition offers a tangible piece of history, grounding the artwork in the legacy of Juneteenth.
Walk from Fort Worth, TX to DC
In 2016, Opal Lee undertook her historic walk from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, D.C., to petition Congress to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. This artwork honors that pivotal journey and commemorates the 2021 designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2024, Opal Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden for her unwavering efforts in making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. More than 150 years after that historic day in Texas, she stood with President Biden in 2021 as Juneteenth was officially declared a national holiday. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to those who make exemplary contributions to the values, prosperity, or security of the United States, as well as to world peace and significant societal endeavors.
Restoration of Opal Lee's Original Home
Opal Lee’s original home, tragically lost to fire due to an angry mob, was restored in 2024. This restoration is a testament to resilience and symbolizes the strength to rebuild and honor history.
Juneteenth Nova Star
This piece proudly features the Juneteenth flag, adorned with the nova star symbolizing freedom. It celebrates the enduring spirit and triumph of emancipation, rooted in the legacy Opal Lee has championed.
Zeta Phi Beta - Black Sorority
As a proud member of the Black sorority Zeta Phi Beta, Opal Lee represents a legacy of empowerment and sisterhood. Her dedication to justice and unity reflects the values of this esteemed organization.