Opal Lee, a 97-year-old community activist and driving force behind Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, is on the verge of moving into a new home on the very same tree-lined corner lot in Fort Worth where her family was driven out by a racist mob when she was 12 years old.
A wall-raising ceremony was held at the site, with Lee and others lifting the framework for the first wall into place. The house is expected to be move-in ready by June 19, the day that holds significant historical importance as the holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
This upcoming June 19 will mark the 85th anniversary of the day when a mob, upset that a Black family had moved in, vandalized the home her parents had just purchased. The mob broke windows, dragged furniture into the street, and destroyed it, forcing Lee's family to leave.
Despite the traumatic event, Lee's parents remained resilient, purchasing another home and moving forward. Lee, who had buried the memories of that day, recently decided to reclaim the lot where her family had faced discrimination.
After contacting Trinity Habitat for Humanity, the organization agreed to sell her the lot for $10. The home is being built by HistoryMaker Homes at no cost to Lee, with funding for furnishings provided by the philanthropic arm of Texas Capital.
At the ceremony, it was noted that the site, once a scene of hatred, was now filled with love and support for Lee. She has been a prominent figure in Fort Worth for years, known as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth' for her efforts in making June 19 a national holiday.
Reflecting on the journey, Lee expressed her determination and encouraged others not to give up on their dreams. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and reclaiming what is rightfully yours.
As she prepares to move into her new home, Lee honors her parents' memory and the resilience they instilled in her. The completion of this project symbolizes a triumph over adversity and a testament to the power of perseverance.
