Why a National Juneteenth Museum
Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is a pivotal moment in American history that changed the course of African Americans and had a monumental impact on the economic and social future of our country.
As an epicenter for awareness and preservation of Juneteenth history, the National Juneteenth Museum represents the natural progression of the continuum that was established to ensure the American tapestry includes the significance of that fateful day in 1865.
From the pursuit of physical freedom to today’s discussions of equity, justice, peace and unity for all, the museum will serve as a place to share the historic path of the once enslaved, making it a destination for tourism and collaborative education.
“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”
— Rep. John Lewis, Civil Rights Leader
Inspiration for the Museum
The National Juneteenth Museum is the extension of the legacy of its forbearers
– the late Texas State Representative Al Edwards, widely considered as the “Father of Juneteenth”, and Ms. Opal Lee, known affectionally as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”. Edwards and Lee invested years, dollars, manpower and resources to promote legislation to ensure Juneteenth’s recognition as a holiday – in Texas in 1979 and forty-two years later, in 2021, nationally.
Our founding board member, Ms. Opal Lee, is a trailblazer who gained national attention in 2016, when at 89, she began a 1,400-mile trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to petition for the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. With over a million signatures received, Juneteenth became a national holiday. Her amazing journey known as The Walk is symbolic of the steps to freedom that were taken during the Underground Railroad and now the steps to help build a positive future.
