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Opal Lee: Quick Facts

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News •

Opal Lee, 'grandmother of Juneteenth,' spends 100th birthday at the center of celebrations in Texas • Oct. 17, 2026, 5:00 AM ET (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Facts

Also Known As Opal Flake • Grandmother of Juneteenth
Born October 7, 1926 (age 100) • Marshall • Texas
Awards And Honors Presidential Medal of Freedom (2024)

Photos

Opal Lee smiles at a podium with microphones as Vice President Kamala Harris, left, assists her during a Juneteenth event on the White House South Lawn.
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