Dr. Opal Lee, “The Grandmother of Juneteenth” will be recognized by the Church of the Living God (3711 Biglow St., Dallas, TX 75216. Temple #145, Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.) during its Annual Scholarship Program. Ms. Lee will receive the Bishop Harold Edwards Educational Award, from Pastor – Dr. Harold Edwards in recognition of her professional and civic accomplishments.
Our honoree Dr. Lee, is living, breathing proof that it is never too late to set goals and pursue them. Following an honorable professional career, she also taught valuable life lessons in perseverance. Imagine having the dream and vision to create a national holiday and launching the quest after you have already retired. But then nothing is impossible when you try to do the right thing and have God on your side.
-Bishop Edwards
Dr. Lee, a retired educator and counselor, earned her Bachelor degree from Wiley College (HBCU) and her Masters degree from then, North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). She taught in Fort Worth public schools and later became a homeschool counselor. She has been active in numerous civic organizations. Bishop Edwards said honoring Dr. Lee provides an invaluable example to our youth of what they can accomplish.
Photo Cred: By Erika Harrison – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116526980
The accolades continue to pour in for Ms. Lee. She received an honorary doctorate from Texas Christian University during its Fall Commencement in December 2021. She was named Texan of the Year for 2021 by The Dallas Morning News for her tireless efforts to have June 19 celebrated as a national holiday. After President Joe Biden signed the bill that made Juneteenth a federal holiday, she was recognized by both chambers of the Texas Legislature during a Special Session of the 87 th Texas Legislature in July 2021.
Dr. Lee will also receive commendations from Dallas City Councilmember Carolyn Arnold andby the Ladies of Distinction during the Church Scholarship Program where the academic accomplishments of students at all levels are recognized. Her book, “Juneteenth: A Children’s Story,” will be available for sale.