Opal Lee celebrates 100th birthday by kicking off construction of Juneteenth museum

Opal Lee, the celebrated founder of Juneteenth, turned 100 on July 10th, a milestone she marked not with a quiet celebration but by standing beside a crew of workers in her Texas hometown of Port Arthur and laying the first stone of a new museum. The building, which will be dedicated to the history of Juneteenth and the broader story of African Americans’ fight for freedom and civil rights, represents both a physical and symbolic foundation for the holiday’s continuing legacy. Lee, who has spent her life championing education and remembrance, used the moment to remind the world that the fight for equality is ongoing.Lee, whose real name is Opal T..

Lee, is a name that has become synonymous with Juneteenth. She first popularised the holiday in the early 1990s, organising marches and vigils to raise awareness of the day that, according to federal law, commemorates the announcement in Texas of the emancipation of slaves in 1865. The movement she started grew into a national celebration, eventually recognised by Congress in 2021 as a federal holiday..

Lee’s efforts have earned her a place in the Smithsonian’s Hall of Famous Americans and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, but she remains humble, insisting that her work is part of a larger community effort.The museum, which will be situated on a site that once housed a cotton mill and is now a community gathering spot, will focus on the Juneteenth story and the broader civil rights movement. Its exhibits will include photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and interactive displays that highlight the day’s significance. Lee said that the building “should be a place where people can learn about the past and understand how that shapes our present, so we can shape a better future.” She added that it would also serve as a community hub for educational programs, lectures and cultural events, ensuring the holiday’s spirit remains vibrant in everyday life.Construction began under a banner that read, “From Freedom to Future.” The project is funded through a mix of private donations, state grants and a federal allocation that acknowledges Juneteenth’s importance as a national holiday..

The building’s design incorporates local architectural motifs, including a large, open atrium that echoes the openness of the Texas coast and a façade of reclaimed timber that pays homage to the region’s industrial past. The design team also incorporated solar panels and other sustainable features, reflecting Lee’s commitment to environmental stewardship alongside cultural preservation.The museum’s opening will coincide with the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth on June 19, 2026. Lee, who has spent her life telling the story of emancipation, said the timing was intentional..

“The day we commemorate freedom is a day we remember the cost of that freedom and the continuing struggle to live it fully,” she said. “By opening this museum, we can ensure the stories of those who endured and those who fought for liberty are not forgotten.”The project has already sparked debate in the region. Some residents argue that the funds should be directed toward immediate needs such as housing and public transportation..

In response, Lee highlighted that cultural institutions can be powerful catalysts for economic development, citing examples from other historic districts in Texas. She also noted that the museum would create jobs, attract tourism and provide a space for community dialogue on pressing issues such as systemic racism and economic inequality.Lee’s legacy is intertwined with her upbringing in the segregated South. Growing up in a predominantly black neighbourhood of Port Arthur, she witnessed the social and economic marginalisation that African Americans faced long after the legal abolition of slavery..

Her parents, both teachers, instilled in her a belief in education as a vehicle for change. These experiences shaped her lifelong mission to keep the memory of emancipation alive, a mission that now culminates in the museum’s construction.The museum’s proposed exhibits will be guided by oral histories from residents who remember the early days of Juneteenth celebrations and the struggles that followed. Lee has already secured commitments from several elders who are willing to share their stories..

The museum’s curators plan to feature a multimedia installation that will allow visitors to listen to recordings of speeches delivered during the 1990s marches, as well as a virtual reality experience that transports users to the 1865 announcement in Galveston. The aim is to create an immersive learning environment that transcends conventional display methods.In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum will host rotating temporary exhibitions that address contemporary issues such as voting rights, criminal justice reform and the economic disparities that disproportionately affect communities of colour. Lee has expressed a particular interest in ensuring that the museum’s programming includes workshops for youth, with a focus on civic engagement and leadership..

“I want young people to see that their voices matter,” she told reporters. “They are the next generation of activists.”The project has garnered support from several high-profile political figures. Former President Barack Obama and former Governor Rick Perry both issued statements praising the museum as a testament to the enduring impact of Juneteenth..

The Texas Legislature approved a $3 million grant to support the museum’s initial construction costs, citing the project’s potential to boost local economies and promote cultural tourism. Lee, however, emphasised that while the grant is a significant boost, the project’s success will ultimately hinge on community involvement and ongoing public engagement.As the construction progresses, Lee has been a frequent guest at community meetings, offering her perspective and encouraging residents to view the museum as a communal asset. She has also been involved in the design of the museum’s entrance plaza, which will feature a large mosaic of the word “Juneteenth” in a series of colours representing the diversity of the community..

“This is not just a building,” she said. “It is a celebration of who we are and a reminder of who we must become.”The museum’s launch is expected to be a significant event, drawing visitors from across the state and beyond. In anticipation, the city council has planned a series of cultural events that will showcase local artists and musicians, ensuring the museum’s opening is not just a single day but a series of celebrations..

Lee herself will speak at the opening ceremony, reflecting on her journey from a young activist in Port Arthur to the woman who helped shape a national holiday. Her speech is expected to be an emotional reminder that the pursuit of equality is a collective endeavour that requires continuous effort.The building’s design also incorporates a community garden, a space where visitors can engage with the land that once supported the cotton industry. Lee hopes that the garden will serve as a living reminder of the agricultural roots of the region and the way that enslaved people laboured there..

The garden will be used for educational workshops on sustainable farming practices, an initiative that aligns with Lee’s broader environmental activism.In closing, the new Juneteenth museum stands as a.