(Isstories Editorial):- Fort Worth, Texas Dec 5, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – Unity Unlimited, Inc., home of the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee, proudly announces an initiative for all 50 states to walk in solidarity for freedom, equality, and unity by the year 2030.
Dr. Opal Lee’s historic footsteps changed the course of American history when her walking campaign helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. Now at 99 years old, she continues to inspire generations with her mission to ensure that the message of Juneteenth, freedom for all, from sea to shining sea, is carried forward in the commitment of the following states to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America:
- Flagship walk: Washington, DC
- Legacy walk: Fort Worth, TX
- Birmingham, AL
- Cincinnati, OH
- Evanston, IL
- Grants Pass, OR
- Honolulu, HI
- Los Angeles, CA
- St. Paul, MN
Each state will collaborate with Unity Unlimited, Inc., to organize a 2.5-mile walk representing the two and a half years it took for news of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach enslaved people in Texas after it was signed on January 1, 1863.
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Through this collective action, participants will unite in one powerful message: Freedom should be celebrated everywhere, by everyone.
“When I started walking, I wanted people to understand that freedom was delayed, but not denied,” said Dr. Opal Lee. “Now, I want every state, every community, to walk together, because freedom is something we must keep walking toward, side by side.”
ABOUT THE WALK
The movement began in 2016, when Dr. Lee, then 90 years old, set out from Fort Worth, Texas, walking 2.5 miles at a time to raise awareness about the need for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national day of observance. Her determination led her across 14 states and ultimately to the White House, where President Joe Biden signed the bill making Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday in U.S. history.
Since then, Opal’s Walk for Freedom® has become a national tradition, inviting thousands of participants each year to walk with her in person or to join virtually in their own cities from around the world. The 50-state campaign aims to be the largest in history, connecting participants across all 50 states and honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom, justice, and equality.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- Join a local walk or walk virtually on June 19, 2026.
- Register online at https://www.opalswalk.com/ for official walk materials, updates, and event resources.
- Share your journey on social media using #OpalsWalkForFreedom and #50StatesForFreedom
- Nominate your city to host a 2027 walk opalswalkforfreedom.org
“Opal’s Walk for Freedom® isn’t just a walk; it’s a movement,” said Mrs. Dione Sims, Executive Director of Unity Unlimited, Inc. “This is about educating, connecting, and empowering people across the country to continue the work that Dr. Lee began.”
ABOUT UNITY UNLIMITED. INC
Unity Unlimited, Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps communities overcome racial, cultural, and economic division. The programs they produce support their mission of human dignity through education, resources, and opportunities, including initiatives such as Juneteenth Strong, a month-long event series celebrating freedom with their brand ambassador, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee.
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
