03685cam a2200385 4500 549098435 TxAuBib 20220222120000.0 210521s2021||||||||||||||||||||||||eng|u 2021021196 9781400231256 hardcover 1400231256 hardcover TxAuBib Duncan, Alice Faye,. Opal Lee and what it means to be free : the true story of the grandmother of Juneteenth / by Alice Faye Duncan ; illustrations by Keturah A Bobo. True story of the grandmother of Juneteenth. Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2021] pages cm. Includes bibliographical references. "The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone will inspire children to be brave and make a difference. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that most Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation's creed of "freedom for all.""-- Provided by publisher. "The true story of Black activist Opal Lee and her vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday that represents the nation's creed of "freedom for all." Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic--a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865--over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. One Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! Opal Lee spent the rest of her life speaking up for equality and unity. She became a teacher, a charity worker, and a community leader. At the age of 89, she walked from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain national recognition for Juneteenth. Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn: all people are created equal; the power of bravery and using your voice for change; the history of Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, and what it means today; no one is free unless everyone is free; fighting for a dream is worth every difficulty. Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength"-- Provided by publisher. Ages 4-8 Thomas Nelson. 20220222. Lee, Opal, 1926- Juneteenth Juvenile literature. African American women civil rights workers Texas Juvenile literature. African Americans Anniversaries, etc Juvenile literature. African Americans Social life and customs Juvenile literature. African Americans Texas History Juvenile literature. Slaves Emancipation Texas Juvenile literature. History. Juvenile works. Bobo, Keturah A., illustrator. Duncan, Alice Faye, 1967-, Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2021].