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

Monday, August 29

LOCATION: CHARGER UNION THEATER (THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE)

TIME: 6:00 PM

This event is free, open to the public, accessible, and child-friendly.

Hear Ms. Lee discuss the history and significance of Juneteenth, and pick up some free souvenirs from the UAH Humanities Center. Doors open at 5:30 PM. WAFF’s Margo Gray will moderate, and the City of Huntsville will make a special announcement.