Opal Lee is a prominent American activist known for her dedicated efforts to promote Juneteenth and racial equality. She is often called the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" because of her lifelong work to celebrate and educate people about the significance of Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Her contributions include leading community celebrations, advocating for recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday, and inspiring many through her activism and perseverance. In 2021, her efforts were recognized when Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday, honoring her dedication and the broader movement for civil rights and racial justice.