A woman with determination can shake things up. Whether it was Nellie Bly‘s shining a light on the treatment of the mentally ill in the late 1800s, or former first lady Betty Ford‘s bringing to light the issues of alcohol addiction and breast cancer, women throughout the ages have left their traditional roles to take on causes in need of attention.
And so it also was when Opal Lee took to the roads at the age of 86, reminding all who would listen that the end of the Civil War and slavery wasn’t a done deal with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation document in 1863.
Thanks to Opal’s shoe leather and grit, Americans have discovered the reality and significance of Juneteenth, when Major General Gordon Granger took the final steps ending slavery in Texas in 1865.
As a result of Opal’s mission, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, making June 19 a federal holiday.
To commemorate the landmark date ending slavery, The National Juneteenth Museum was undertaken. As a salute to Opal, it was decided to establish the museum in a “predominantly African American neighborhood” in Fort Worth.
It was announced that Bank of America has contributed $1M to help make the 50,000-square-foot museum a reality.
According to National Juneteenth Museum CEO Jarred Howard, “I’m encouraged to see Bank of America helping breathe life into the Historic Southside through intentional investment in cultural education and preservation. Residents, visitors and local businesses will be able to witness the impact of Bank of America’s gift, supporting a space where generational wealth, health and tradition will have a collaborative space to flourish.”
Plans call for the museum to open in 2025 featuring more than a collection of artifacts. The design will also provide a “grand greenspace” as well as a food hall and a 250-seat amphitheater for guest lectures, community events and performances.
In making the announcement, Bank of America Fort Worth President Mike Pavell said, “The National Juneteenth Museum brings to life many of the values we uphold at Bank of America. From supporting diverse entrepreneurs and small business development, to mobilizing the power of the arts to educate and enrich our societies, we look forward to working together to unite our community and create greater cultural understanding. This partnership is a point of pride for Bank of America not only in Fort Worth, but in every corner of our national footprint.”
* Graphic credit: Bjarke Ingles Group and KAI Enterprises