FORT WORTH, Texas — Juneteenth icon Mrs. Opal Lee, of Fort Worth, also known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," now has a Barbie doll.
Lee's doll was released as part of Mattel's "Inspiring Women" series.
She gained national acclaim after cementing June 19's status as a national holiday in 2021 after years of advocacy, which included a 1,400-mile trek to Washington, D.C. The 99-year-old Fort Worth native has been awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee.
Lee holds an annual Walk For Freedom celebrating Juneteenth in Fort Worth, a 2.5-mile trek. Her granddaughter, Dione Sims, announced that in 2026, Lee plans to hold a march in Washington D.C., commemorating the 250-year anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Lee told ABC News in a statement that she hopes the release of her Barbie doll will inspire the next generation.
"It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll," Lee said in a statement. "I hope my story encourages the next generation to never underestimate the power of one voice. As I often say, one person can start a change, and that can change the world."
Lee's Barbie doll features glasses, a blue Unity Unlimited Opal's Walk for Freedom T-shirt, white pants and sneakers.
