A Conversation with Dr. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"

The Santa Fe Community Foundation Empower! Black Futures Community Fund proudly invites you to join us for a rare opportunity to hear from a voice of history who brings a message for the future. Social Impact Leader, Dr. Opal Lee is considered by many the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her role in making June 19 a federally-recognized holiday. The 97-year-old activist will visit the Land of Enchantment for the very first time to share her family’s journey through tragedy to victory, discuss the significance of Juneteenth in American history, and celebrate New Mexico’s first Black giving circle. Together with her granddaughter, Mrs. Dione Sims, Dr. Lee brings a message of hope, survival, and activism.

Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
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About Dr. Opal Lee

Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Dr. Opal Lee was present when President Joe Biden signed the bill that established “Juneteenth” as a federal holiday after her successful walking campaign and online petition that garnered over 1.5 million signatures for Juneteenth holiday awareness. She has received seven honorary doctorates, has been named 2021 Texan of the Year by the Dallas Morning News editorial board, the 2021 Unsung Hero of the Pandemic, Fort Worth Inc.’s 2022 Person of the Year, is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and most recently became the second African American to have her portrait hung in the Texas State Senate. At 97 years old, Lee still travels the globe to raise awareness about the significance of Juneteenth in American history.

About Mrs. Dione Sims

Dione Sims, President and Founder of Unity Unlimited, Inc., is a force for positive change. With a passion for unity and understanding, she’s the driving force behind impactful initiatives. Since 2015, Dione co-produced the Annual Juneteenth Fort Worth Celebration with her grandmother Dr. Opal Lee, engineered the Opal’s Walk campaign for national Juneteenth recognition, and created the Your Voice Unleashed enrichment program to provide youth exposure to vocational and cultural experiences. Not stopping there, she sponsors Opal’s Farm, tackling food insecurity and offering second chance training and employment. She was at the White House alongside Dr. Opal Lee for the historic bill signing, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Mrs. Sims served as the Founding Executive Director and is a current legacy board member of the National Juneteenth Museum where she champions the powerful message of freedom embedded in Juneteenth.

About the Empower! Black Futures Community Fund

The Empower! Black Futures Community Fund, formerly known as the Earthseed Community Fund, was established in 2023 by the Santa Fe Community Foundation and Earthseed Black Arts Alliance. An identity-based giving circle, the fund is dedicated to supporting Black life, arts, and culture in New Mexico. Contributions to the fund will help seed its permanent endowment, which will grow over time to ensure sustained support of Black causes in New Mexico in perpetuity.

Host or Publisher Santa Fe Community Foundation