Home / Arts and Entertainment / Graphic Novel Honors Opal Lee's Lifelong Fight for Juneteenth
Graphic Novel Honors Opal Lee's Lifelong Fight for Juneteenth
6 Nov
Summary
- Angélique Roché authors first-ever graphic novel on Juneteenth and Opal Lee
- Opal Lee, 94, was honored at the White House in 2021 as Juneteenth became a federal holiday
- Book serves as a "multi-generational historical document" on Opal Lee's life and impact
In November 2025, a new graphic novel is honoring the legacy of Opal Lee, the trailblazing activist known as the "grandmother of Juneteenth." Titled "First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth," the 208-page biography chronicles Lee's inspirational journey and resilient determination to secure national recognition for the American emancipation holiday.
The book's author, Angélique Roché, calls it a "privilege and an honor" to share Lee's impactful life story. Roché's work not only offers a biopic-style narrative but also serves as a "multi-generational historical document" featuring a unique compilation of sources and resources on Juneteenth and Lee's lifelong advocacy.
The story culminates in June 2021, when the then-94-year-old Lee was invited as an honored guest to the White House as President Joe Biden signed the bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Lee, a lifelong educator and community activist, hopes the graphic novel will inspire young people to "value every person and remember the sacrifices of those who came before them."
The book, published by Oni Press, is also brought to life by distinguished artists Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe, and Bex Glendining. Polarity CEO David Steward II says the book "immerses readers in Opal Lee's story, blending her powerful leadership, activism and personal perseverance into a compelling narrative."
