By: Tom Williams | June 23, 2025
Clarksdale, MS – In a powerful tribute to history, perseverance, and progress, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority hosted its first annual Opal’s Freedom Walk in Clarksdale. The event honored the life and legacy of Opal Lee, a 97-year-old social activist affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”
The walk began with an opening prayer by State Senator Robert Jackson, followed by warm greetings from Zeta Phi Beta Chapter President Sharon Campbell. Dorothy McCaskill shared the occasion’s significance, while Shadeika Bass led efforts for on-site voter registration—emphasizing civic engagement as a continued path toward equality.
Opal Lee, a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta, began walking 2.5 miles daily at the age of 90 to bring awareness to Juneteenth. The symbolic 2.5-mile walk represents the 2.5 years it took for the news of emancipation to reach enslaved people in Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Lee’s efforts were instrumental in making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. Her passion for justice and education continues to inspire generations, and her work has earned her a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In true community spirit, Mayor Orlando Paden attended the event, along with members of Amicae, the Friends of Zeta, who showed their support.
The Opal’s Freedom Walk was not just a local event—it was also held virtually, inviting participants from across the country to join the movement and stand united in the fight for freedom and equality.
This inaugural walk marks the beginning of what organizers hope will become a yearly tradition in Clarksdale, honoring both the legacy of Opal Lee and the continued pursuit of justice for all.
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