The Walk for Freedom and the Story of Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth
Calendar Date:
Add to your calendar:
Join us to explore one powerful story behind America's newest national holiday.
Delve into the profound meaning of Juneteenth through the story of Dr. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth” who played a pivotal role in making it a federal holiday. This holiday marks the day freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865. Ms. Lee's personal connection to Juneteenth is deeply rooted; as a child in 1939, her family home was burned down by a mob on June 19th. Ms. Lee's decades of activism, including her symbolic “Walks for Freedom" across the country, helped shine a national spotlight on this crucial historical day.
This talk will honor the history of freedom while reflecting on the ongoing work needed to address the legacy of enslavement and build a more just society, inspired by Ms. Lee's powerful example of perseverance and hope.
“The road to true freedom is long, but I've walked it my whole life. Will you walk with me?” - Dr. Opal Lee
Featured Speaker:
Tricia Brand is Principal Consultant for DEIB for West Linn and a leader dedicated to social impact and equity in education, organizations, and government. With 20 years of experience spanning higher education, public agencies, and now biotech, Tricia has championed social transformation through narrative change and human-centered design, holding key leadership roles including former Chief Diversity Officer at Portland Community College. She specializes in creating cultures of belonging, DEIB capacity-building, and strategic organizational change.
Books:
