Opal Lee calls for unity in letter to Trump

Opal Lee, celebrated as the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth,' penned an open letter to President Donald Trump on his inauguration day, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In her heartfelt message, Lee called for unity and courage, urging Trump to choose a path of togetherness rather than division. She highlighted her lifelong commitment to human dignity and the importance of leadership as a moral example, stating that division is the easy choice while unity is the courageous one. Lee expressed hope that her letter would initiate a meaningful dialogue with the president, recalling her past interactions with other leaders. Known for her role in making Juneteenth a national holiday, she has been a prominent figure in civil rights advocacy, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024. Lee emphasized the need for leaders to replace spectacle with service and uplift the nation's spirit as they strive for true freedom.