First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth

(W) Angélique Roché (A) Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, Millicent Monroe
(C) Damali Beatty (L) Alexis Bennett with Andworld Design

First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth was created with the support and involvement of both Dr. Lee and her granddaughter, Mrs. Dione Sims, and is brought to life by three distinguished artists. Writer Angélique Roché conducted in-person interviews with Dr. Lee and immersed herself in extensive research for the book. The ambitious biography, which includes back matter that provides more insights into Juneteenth’s history and the making of the graphic novel, will be released 46 years after Juneteenth was first recognized as a statewide holiday by the state of Texas and five years since it was finally recognized as a national federal holiday. The book will also be published as part of a yearlong celebration of Opal Lee’s 100th year on Earth.

Born on October 7, 1926, in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Dr. Lee has been a community activist all her life, and she would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.I n June 2021the then-94-year-old Dr. Lee sat in the front row as an honored guest at the White House as President Joe Biden signed the bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Dr. Opal’s life personifies the fight for everyday freedoms that leads to lasting change – and as the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, “There is so much more to do.” 

On February 3, 2026, Oni Press will release First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth, the first-ever graphic novel dedicated to the history and origin of the Juneteenth holiday. This timely and topical 208-page biography chronicles the inspirational journey and resilient determination of Dr. Opal Lee — known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth — who spent decades in pursuit of one singular cause: to officially recognize American emancipation with its own national holiday. Ahead of its publication during Black History Month in February 2026, Oni Press is unveiling the very first preview of this historic and eagerly anticipated publication by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché, artists Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, and Millicent Monroe, and colorist Damali Beatty with lettering by Alexis Bennett with Andworld Design. 

First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth was created with the support and involvement of both Dr. Lee and her granddaughter, Mrs. Dione Sims, and is brought to life by three distinguished artists. Writer Angélique Roché conducted in-person interviews with Dr. Lee and immersed herself in extensive research for the book. The ambitious biography, which includes back matter that provides more insights into Juneteenth’s history and the making of the graphic novel, will be released 46 years after Juneteenth was first recognized as a statewide holiday by the state of Texas and five years since it was finally recognized as a national federal holiday. The book will also be published as part of a yearlong celebration of Opal Lee’s 100th year on Earth.

Born on October 7, 1926, in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Dr. Lee has been a community activist all her life, and she would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.I n June 2021the then-94-year-old Dr. Lee sat in the front row as an honored guest at the White House as President Joe Biden signed the bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Dr. Opal’s life personifies the fight for everyday freedoms that leads to lasting change – and as the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, “There is so much more to do.” 

Discover the life of an extraordinary woman’s path through contemporary American history and the rarely told true story of the Juneteenth holiday itself in First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth – coming in February 2026 from Oni Press.