The Joy of Juneteenth brings Ms. Opal Lee to the City of Huntsville to discuss the history and significance of celebrating the anniversary of the day General Gordon Granger proclaimed the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas.
Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Ms. Opal Lee was present on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, thereby establishing June 19, or “Juneteenth,” as a federal holiday. Ms. Lee said, on that day, “Now we can celebrate freedom from the 19th of June to the 4th of July!”
The Joy of Juneteenth is sponsored by the UAH Humanities Center, and in partnership with United Women of Color. Collaborators for Ms. Lee’s visit also include Alabama A&M University, the City of Huntsville, Highlands Elementary PTA, Madison County Commission District 6, Oakwood University, St. John AME Church, UAH Music, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
For a complete schedule of events, visit uah.edu/humanities-center
Sunday, August 28
LOCATION: ST. JOHN AME CHURCH
TIME: 10:00 AM
Masks and temperature checks are required for admission to the sanctuary.
Ms. Lee, Deaconess at Baker Chapel AME in Fort Worth, Texas, will attend church service. St. John AME streams its services on its Facebook page.
Sunday, August 28
LOCATION: MORAN HALL AUDITORIUM (OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY)
TIME: 3:00 PM
This event is free, open to the public, accessible, and child-friendly. Masks are required.
Meet Ms. Lee, and have her sign a copy of her children’s book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story. The first 100 attendees will receive a free copy of Ms. Lee’s book as a gift from the UAH Humanities Center. (Other giveaways also will be available.)
