Dione Sims, Lee’s granddaughter, says Lee is doing well and waiting on discharge orders.
FORT WORTH, Texas — Opal Lee, considered the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” was recently hospitalized, but her family says she is doing well.
“She is doing well and in good spirits,” Lee’s granddaughter, Dione Sims, said in a statement. “We are waiting on discharge orders.”
It’s not known at this time why Lee was hospitalized or how long she has been at the hospital.
In a Facebook post, Lee thanked those who reached out while she was hospitalized.
“Although I am unable to return the many texts and calls I have received over the past few days, please know that each one is appreciated; I am truly grateful for your concern and good wishes,” Lee said.
Lee received the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” moniker for her efforts to turn the day commemorating Black freedom from slavery into a national holiday, received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden last year and has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She hosted her annual Walk for Freedom in Dallas for the first time last June.
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery after the Civil War, recognizing the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas two years after it was issued. Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19.