Description
Opal Lee is a retired teacher, counselor, and activist in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. She is often described as the “grandmother of Juneteenth.” She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. On June 19, 1939, white rioters vandalized and burned down her home when she was 12 years old. This spurred her to make people understand that Juneteenth was not just a festival for African Americans. Opal Lee promoted the idea by marching in various cities, 2.5 miles each year, to represent the 2.5 years it took for news of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach Texas.
Juneteenth National Independence Day, signed into law on June 17, 2021
Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S. The name was first used in the 1890’s but marks the day of June 19th, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Texas was one of the last places where slavery was officially abolished; this was 900 days after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed into law.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
- Shipping charges are lower when buying multiple mugs.
