Opal’s Walk for Freedom - Cincinnati

2.5 miles. Freedom. Cincinnati. Opal's Walk for Freedom takes place on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on East Freedom Way. A 2.5‑mile walk celebrating Juneteenth and honoring Ms. Opal Lee — the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." Free admission to the Freedom Center (sponsored by the Fifth Third Foundation). A daylong festival with live music, food trucks, a Community Market, and drop‑in programming for all ages. Free for youth 18 and under.

The Walk — History & Symbolism:

• 2.5 miles represents the 2.5 years between the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and June 19, 1865 — when freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas
• Ms. Opal Lee, a former teacher and activist from Fort Worth, Texas, walked from her home to Washington, D.C. at age 89 to advocate for Juneteenth as a national holiday
• Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021
• Cincinnati's walk starts at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center — a museum dedicated to the history of the Underground Railroad and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality

Daylong Festival & Jubilant Takeover of Freedom Way:

• Live music throughout the day
• Food trucks serving a variety of cuisines
• Community Market — shop small and support local businesses
• Drop‑in programming and mini tours for guests of all ages
• Free museum admission at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (courtesy of the Fifth Third Foundation)
• Joy and community — the hallmarks of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations

What's Included (Adult Registration):

• In‑person walk entry
• Event t‑shirt
• Access to festival, museum, and all activities

Youth Registration (18 & under):

• FREE entry (includes walk participation)
• T‑shirt available for purchase separately

Schedule:

• Friday, June 19, 2026
• 10:00 AM — Walk begins at the Freedom Center
• Following the walk — festival, live music, food trucks, museum access (specific times on event website)

Logistics:

• Parking available near the Freedom Center (paid lots and street parking — arrive early)
• Public transport: Cincinnati Metro bus routes serve downtown and The Banks district
• Streetcar (Cincinnati Bell Connector) stops near the Freedom Center
• Bib pickup: race morning at the Freedom Center (check event website for exact times)
• No refunds unless Refund Protection Program was purchased
• Race management may cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions — no refunds for "Acts of God"

Nearby Attractions (post‑walk):

• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (free admission on walk day)
• Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)
• Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals)
• The Banks riverfront park and restaurants
• Smale Riverfront Park and the Roebling Suspension Bridge

Charity Partner:

• Unity Unlimited, Inc. — fundraising goal $25,000. Currently raised $82 (0% of goal).
• Proceeds support Juneteenth awareness programs and community unity initiatives