83 years after her childhood home was burned down by rioters, civil rights activist Opal Lee has moved into a new house built on the same Fort Worth lot, symbolizing resilience and community support.

Opal Lee, who played a pivotal role in getting Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday, has returned to the very site where her family's home was destroyed in 1939. A new home, constructed by Habitat for Humanity and furnished by JCPenney, now stands as a testament to her enduring spirit and the support of her community. This significant moment underscores not only the journey of recovery and resilience but also the continued importance of her work in promoting civil rights and historical recognition.

In 1939, when Opal Lee was just 12 years old, her family home in Fort Worth, Texas, was set ablaze by rioters on June 19, a date that would later hold significant historical value as Juneteenth. The events of that day left an indelible mark on Lee, propelling her into a life of advocacy and civil rights activism.

Often referred to as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' Lee's tireless efforts were instrumental in the national recognition of Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States. Her legacy was cemented when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth holiday into law in 2021.

In her dedication to the cause, Lee embarked on a monumental journey in 2016. At the age of 89, she walked 1,400 miles from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness and advocate for the official recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. This feat underscored her unwavering commitment to civil rights and historical commemoration.

Lee’s advocacy and contributions did not go unnoticed. In acknowledgment of her lifelong work, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Additionally, she had the distinct honor of attending a Juneteenth celebration held on the White House lawn, marking a significant milestone in her long-standing campaign for recognition.

The new house on her family's former lot represents much more than just a dwelling. Built by Habitat for Humanity and financially supported by various organizations, the construction was an example of community solidarity. Lee was directly involved in the construction process, meticulously selecting the flooring, fixtures, and lighting to make this house a home.

JCPenney contributed to this effort by furnishing the new residence, ensuring that the interior matched the significance and dignity of the occasion. According to Lee, the decisions regarding her new home were both personal and symbolic, reflecting her journey and the support she has received over the years.

As someone deeply involved in community service and uplifting others, Lee has always encouraged young people to act and make a difference. She often emphasizes the importance of changing minds and advocating for social justice, aiming to inspire the next generation of activists.

Lee’s return to her childhood neighborhood is more than a mere relocation. It is a message of hope and regeneration for the community. She has expressed her desire to be a good neighbor and contribute positively to her Fort Worth neighborhood, reinforcing the connection between her past and present endeavors.

HistoryMaker Homes played a crucial role in the construction of her new residence, collaborating closely with Lee and other organizations to bring the project to fruition. This collaboration ensured that the final outcome was fitting for someone of her stature and symbolic of her life’s work.

Habitat for Humanity, an organization Lee had previously worked with, was involved in providing the land and building plans, with the home's construction funded and supported by additional organizations. Their combined efforts were crucial in realizing the vision of a commemorative home.

Despite the trauma associated with the loss of her childhood home, Lee’s return to this location is marked by joy and accomplishment. Her journey from that fateful day in 1939 to now living in a home built through community support is a testament to her endurance and the broader collective effort to honor and remember significant historical events.

Opal Lee’s lifetime of work in civil rights, her efforts to get Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday, and her personal journey to reclaim her family's legacy is recognized and celebrated by many. Her new home in Fort Worth stands as a physical and symbolic representation of that journey, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact she has had and continues to have on the community and the nation.