The day became a federal holiday June 17, 2021, with Lee in attendance as President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth bill into law. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Biden in May 2024.

Opal Lee's Walk for Freedom wrapped up in Fort Worth Thursday morning, but it was missing the person who started it all.

Roderick Miles Jr., the Tarrant County Commissioner of Precinct 1, hugs Dione Sims, the granddaughter of Opal Lee, following the Opal Lee Walk for Freedom at Farrington Field in Fort Worth on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Lee was not able to participate in this years walk due to health concerns. Chris Torres [email protected]