Opal Lee: podcast appearances and interviews

Opal Lee, born on October 7, 1926, is an American retired teacher, counselor, and activist. She is recognized as a leader in the movement to establish Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday and is often referred to as the 'grandmother of Juneteenth.' Her efforts contributed to the passage of Senate Bill S. 475, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday. In 2024, President Biden awarded Lee the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor. Throughout her career, Lee has been a prominent advocate for recognizing Juneteenth as a significant historical and cultural milestone, and her work has garnered national recognition.