“Grandmother of Juneteenth” Shares Her Wisdom on Freedom

At 94 years old, Opal Lee is still determined to see Juneteenth made a national holiday through bringing awareness to Congress and the administration that the country needs and wants the unity that celebrating the abolition of slavery can bring. Influenced by being a board member of NJOF with Dr. Ronald Meyers, she too understood the national relevance of celebrating freedom all across America which is bigger than just Texas.

Interview conducted by Dara Kennedy’s Emmy award-winning experience spans global and local TV and radio networks, covering news, sports, and politics. Having traveled to over 50 countries, she has moderated for brands like JPMorgan Chase, the NBA, and at the United Nations. Currently a news anchor in New York City, Dara also collaborates with global streamer Politics In Color on “Join The Conversation,” covering the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign. Her standout moments include President-elect Barack Obama’s victory in Grant Park and the University of Michigan’s national college football championship.