Cincinnati is proud to be one of the select few cities to host the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom, a Juneteenth observance honoring the end of slavery in the United States and the ongoing pursuit of inclusive freedom. Opal’s Walk for Freedom, organized by the Texas-based non-profit Unity Unlimited, Inc., is led by Dr. Opal Lee, widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” On June 19, participants in host cities across the country will walk 2.5 miles simultaneously, symbolizing the approximately 2.5 years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free in 1865. The walk is supported by national and local partners, including Start 2 Finish Event Management, Detroit Choice Events, JARK 1 Entertainment, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The Freedom Center invites the Cincinnati community and out-of-town visitors to join the walk on June 19 to reflect, remember and celebrate freedom together. Organizations interested in becoming local sponsors of the Cincinnati Opal’s Walk for Freedom may contact philanthropy@nurfc.org.
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