FORT WORTH, TX, JUNE 3, 2024 – Dr. Opal Lee, known as The Grandmother of Juneteenth, will be joyously celebrated, supported, and welcomed into her new home at the family’s
historic 940 E. Annie property on June 14. This historic homecoming event was made
possible by the collective efforts and local partnership of HistoryMaker Homes, Texas Capital, and Trinity Habitat for Humanity.
Each of these organizations plays a key role in this historic home build for Dr. Lee. HistoryMaker Homes built the home at no cost to Dr. Lee and, in collaboration with Trinity Habitat for Humanity, oversaw the construction of her home, ensuring a timely move-in date. Prior to the build, Dr. Lee visited the HistoryMaker Homes design center where she selected all of the flooring, fixtures and lighting for her home. Texas Capital provided a grant to Dr. Lee’s
non-profit, Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity, which allowed her to furnish the home, creating a comfortable and welcoming space.
Trinity Habitat for Humanity, in addition to acquiring the 940 E. Annie property back in January 2021, organized the groundbreaking and wall-raising ceremonies, and a Day 1 volunteer day. JCPenney, a long standing supporter
of Dr. Lee, donated small kitchen appliances, dinnerware, and home décor for her kitchen and living spaces as well as all linens for her bedrooms and bathrooms.
While this new home represents a full circle moment for Dr. Lee and her family, its foundation stands on the same hallowed ground where her family’s lives were deeply uprooted by racism and violence. On June 19th, 1939, when Opal was only 12 years old, after only a few nights of living in their home, hundreds of white rioters gathered to harass, vandalize, and run their family out of the neighborhood.
Friday, June 14th, does not mark the end of the story, but a significant new chapter in Dr. Lee’s enduring legacy and a testament to her remarkable journey. Scheduled a few days before Juneteenth, attendees will witness the gathering of community leaders, activists, and supporters joining together to celebrate our local civil rights leader, The Grandmother of Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, June 14th, 2024
- Time: 10:00 a.m.
- Location: 940 E. Annie St. Fort Worth, TX 76104
The ceremony will feature a lineup of distinguished officials who will discuss Dr. Lee’s monumental contributions to civil rights, her tireless advocacy for justice, and the enduring impact of her work on federal, state, and local levels.
“Dr. Lee’s contribution to our nation through her work for racial justice cannot be understated, and we are deeply honored to have built her new home that now proudly stands where great injustices once occurred,” said Nelson Mitchell, CEO of HistoryMaker Homes.
“Each time Dr. Lee enters her home, we hope it not only offers her a welcoming space but also great sense of pride. Alongside our more than 50 partners and trades, our entire team at HistoryMaker was proud to work together on this project and now present Dr. Lee with the keys to her new home.”
“Texas Capital is honored to be part of this historical moment as our community comes together to welcome Ms. Opal Lee home,” said Effie Dennison, Texas Capital’s head of Community Development and
president of the Texas Capital Foundation. “Her home is built upon a foundation of the same love, strength and determination that Ms. Lee has demonstrated
throughout her life in fighting for justice and racial equity.”
“With tears of sadness for past atrocities and tears of joy for this momentous occasion, we are humbled and honored to welcome our friend Opal home,” said Gage Yager, CEO of Trinity Habitat for Humanity. “There truly is no place like home!”
