She Persisted: Opal Lee

Gr 1-4–Poet/playwright/producer and National Book Award finalist Moses presents the latest “She Persisted” chapter book; as with previous volumes, Clinton’s encouraging reading of her series introduction also opens this audio. Chilton follows, her mature, resounding voice underscoring Opal Lee’s resilience through almost a century of accomplishments—from fearless child to teacher, community leader, and activist. Beginning in 2016, at age of 89, Lee walked over 1,400 miles between Ft. Worth, TX, and Washington, D.C., to convince lawmakers of the significance of nationally recognizing Juneteenth—which marked the end of the enslavement of Black Americans in 1865. Born Opal Flake in 1926, she and her family lost their home to fire (for the second time) on June 19, 1939. More than 80 years later, spurred by Lee’s decades-long persistence, President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth the 11th federal holiday on June 17, 2021.