Opal Lee, Fort Worth Juneteenth pioneer, celebrates birthday with day of service

Dozens of people gathered Saturday to celebrate Fort Worth Juneteenth advocate Opal Lee’s 96th birthday by helping out at her community farm and Community Food Bank before a parade.

Children stood outside houses on the short route from the food bank to the community farm, shouting, “Ms. Opal, Ms. Opal, happy birthday!”

Lee, who was the driving force behind the effort to make Juneteenth a national holiday, was surrounded by friends and admirers as she trekked down Riverside Drive with banners celebrating her birthday— which was Friday — and charitable efforts.

Lee told those who attended the celebration at the end of the parade that she was proud of them for spending their Saturday morning to help at the charities.

“I want to challenge each of you to be a committee of one,” Lee said. “I’m so delighted that you’ve chosen to work today, that you are aware that there are others less fortunate than us, that you will change that and that we can teach others. If people can learn to hate, they can learn to love.”

Lee said she believes the people who were there can change the world around them by volunteering.

“You can make this the best country on earth,” Lee said.