Celebrate Juneteenth in Fort Worth

June 19, 2026
 

Fort Worth is the home of Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth". Each year, Opal has led 2.5-mile walks in major cities — the distance a reminder of the 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed the enslaved in the South. Opal's efforts were instrumental in the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, which occurred in 2021. In 2022, plans for the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth were announced.  

Civil rights leader Opal Lee, 94, realized a longtime dream in 2020 and collected 1.5 million signatures on a petition to create a national holiday for Juneteenth, the day the Civil War-era Emancipation Proclamation was announced in Texas.  

Visit Fort Worth was a leading sponsor of Opal’s Walk celebrating Juneteenth 2020. Her efforts drew national attention from celebrities including Usher and Lupita Nyong’o as well as media coverage from The New York Times and Associated Press. 

“Opal Lee’s positive message about freedom captured national attention this year. In honoring her, we want to emphasize that everyone is welcome in Fort Worth, Texas,” said Mark Nurdin, chairman of the Visit Fort Worth Board of Directors. 

Lee said: “We have simply got to make people aware that none of us are free until we’re all free, and we aren’t free yet. As we address local inequality, we become a more welcoming city.” 

Explore all the ways you can celebrate in Fort Worth

Opal's Walk for Freedom
 

On Friday, June 19th, Dr. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.

Now a national holiday, Juneteenth celebrates the freedom gained when slavery was abolished all across the country. Unity Unlimited and Ms. Opal continue her walks to educate the nation on the importance of understanding that freedom is for everyone.

Ms. Opal Lee has led the charge to establish Juneteenth as a National Day of Observance for decades. Opal Lee’s vision of Juneteenth has grown from a single day community picnic to a multi-day celebration that includes a parade, breakfast of prayer, pageant, Health and Job Fair, 5K and much more. Visit NationalJuneteenthMuseum.com for more information on the development of the highly anticipated project.

What: 

A 2.5 mile walk celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Ms. Opal Lee

When: 

June 19, 2026 - 9:00 AM

Where:

Will Rogers Square
3401 West Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Honoring Miss Opal Lee

The Barbie Inspiring Women collection honors extraordinary women from all fields who inspire future generations. Our next addition to the collection is Dr. Opal Lee, a teacher, counselor, and award-winning activist. This legendary leader led the charge to make Juneteenth a national holiday, succeeding in 2021 and earning her the nickname “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Our doll tribute to this visionary wears a signature look for her annual Opal’s Walk for Freedom, including white joggers, sneakers, and a custom T-shirt.

Miss Juneteenth - Filmed In Fort Worth: