The Joy of Juneteenth with Dr. Opal Lee
Photo Credit James D. Teed
September 6, 2022 | Nicholaos Jones
The Humanities Center at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), in partnership with United Women of Color (UWOC), recently hosted The Joy of Juneteenth with Opal Lee, a multi-event program spread across the City of Huntsville.
Dr. Opal Lee is a former education and long-time activist who was present in the White House when President Joseph Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act on June 17, 2021. This Act establishes June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as a federal holiday—the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983. The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the anniversary of the last African American slaves being freed in Texas in 1865, two and one-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Dr. Lee’s invitation to the White House, and her nickname as “Grandmother of Juneteenth” derives from her walking 2.5 miles in various cities between Fort Worth, Texas and Washington D.C. in order to raise awareness about the significance of Juneteenth.
The Joy of Juneteenth with Opal Lee was a collaboration of the UAH Humanities Center and UWOC with Alabama A&M University, the City of Huntsville, Highlands Elementary School PTA, Madison County Commission District 6, Oakwood University, and St. John AME Church. Regarding the program, Dr. Nicholaos Jones, Director for the Humanities Center, remarks, “Just as the Tennessee River derives its strength and splendor from many contributing streams, Juneteenth’s recognition as a federal holiday is the outcome of many voices over many years. Dr. Lee’s efforts, as an activist, author, and educator, have been—and continue to be—instrumental in helping to achieve this recognition. The planning by so many groups to bring Dr. Lee to Huntsville are a fitting testament to Dr. Lee’s efforts, and I believe it is also a model for how universities and community organizations can work together to enrich our city.”
Dr. Lee’s visit to Huntsville spanned three days. On Saturday, August 27, Dr. Lee met with Ms. Violet Edwards, Madison County Commissioner for District 6, as well as other local dignitaries for a welcoming reception at the Bob Harrison Senior Advocacy and Wellness Center.
Dr. Lee met with Ms. Violet Edwards, Madison County Commissioner for District 6
Photo Credit James D. Teed
On Sunday, August 28, she attended morning service—and made some brief remarks—at St. John AME Church in downtown Huntsville.
On Sunday, August 28, she attended morning service—and made some brief remarks—at St. John AME Church in downtown Huntsville.
Photo Credit James D. Teed
Dr. Leslie Pollard, Oakwood University’s President, offered some remarks connecting Dr. Lee’s activism with Frederick Douglass’s question, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Mr. Jeremy Sovoy Jordan directed a musical selection from The Aeolians of Oakwood University, and Oakwood English major Ms. Makayla Mattocks introduced Dr. Lee to the audience. After some brief remarks, Dr. Lee then posed for pictures with attendees and signed copies of her book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story. (The UAH Humanities Center distributed 100 signed copies of this book to attendees.)
Dr. Lee began Monday, August 29 with a visit to Highlands Elementary School. Students from Kindergarten through Grade 3 greeted her by waving pompoms and chanting “Dr. Lee! Dr. Lee!” During a brief reception, Dr. Lee met with Highlands staff and faculty, administrators from Huntsville City Schools (HCS) and the HCS Board of Education, and representatives from the Huntsville Council of PTAs. As part of Highlands’ ongoing literacy initiative, Story Time with Principal Dixon, Dr. Lee then read her book to students in Grades 4 through 6. HCS’s ETV also provided streaming access to local schools, and the UAH Humanities Center subsequently donated a signed copy of Dr. Lee’s book to each public school in Huntsville.
On Sunday, August 28, she attended morning service—and made some brief remarks—at St. John AME Church in downtown Huntsville.
Dr. Opal Lee read to the students of Highland Elementary
Photo Credit James D. Teed
On Monday afternoon, Dr. Lee journeyed to Alabama A&M University. She received a guided tour of the campus in one of A&M’s zero-emission electric buses. Dr. Lee then attended a luncheon in the Knight Center with Dr. Daniel Wims, Alabama A&M’s President, as well as representatives from Zeta Phi Beta, Dr. Lee’s sorority.
Dr. Lee concluded her visit to Huntsville with a Monday evening appearance at UAH. Dr. David Puleo, UAH’s Provost, received Dr. Lee at a small reception. Dr. Sean Lane, Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UAH, then welcomed Dr. Lee and guests to a well-packed Charger Union Theater. Mr. Tommy Battle, Mayor of Huntsville, issued a proclamation declaring August 29 Opal Lee Day in the City of Huntsville. WAFF’s Margo Gray concluded the evening by moderating a discussion with Dr. Lee about the history and significance of Juneteenth.
Reflecting upon Dr. Lee’s visit, Ms. Angela Curry (B.A. Political Science, 2000), Executive Director for United Women of Color, remarks, “We were honored to work with the Humanities Center to provide this educational opportunity to Huntsville. Dr. Lee’s visit was nothing less than remarkable. At each event, her boundless energy and authenticity inspired everyone in her presence. Her words, ‘become a committee of one,’ boast the values of unity and collaboration that are foundational to United Women of Color’s methods of service.”
Photo Gallery of Dr. Opal Lee's Visit
Photo Credit James Dr. Teed
