Opal's Walk for Freedom - Fort Worth

2.5 miles. 2.5 years. The news of freedom took that long to reach enslaved people in Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation. Opal's Walk for Freedom returns to Fort Worth on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at Will Rogers Square (3401 West Lancaster Ave). Dr. Opal Lee — the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" — will lead her annual 2.5‑mile walk. Now a national holiday, Juneteenth celebrates freedom for all. Free for youth 18 and under. Shuttles available for seniors and mobility‑challenged participants. Live music, community engagement, and a day of unity in Fort Worth's Cultural District.

The Walk — Symbolism & History:

• 2.5 miles represents the 2.5 years between the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) and June 19, 1865 — the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce freedom for enslaved people
• Dr. Opal Lee, a former teacher and activist from Fort Worth, walked from Texas to Washington, D.C. at age 89 to advocate for Juneteenth becoming a national holiday
• President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021
• Opal Lee continues her annual Fort Worth walk to educate the nation that freedom is for everyone

Location & Route:

• Start/finish at Will Rogers Square (3401 West Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76107)
• Located in Fort Worth's Cultural District — near the Will Rogers Memorial Center, Amon Garter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, and Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
• 2.5‑mile route on paved sidewalks and streets (course details available on event website)
• Accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers of all abilities

Shuttles for Seniors & Mobility‑Challenged:

• Limited number of seats available on shuttles that follow the walkers
• Register in advance for shuttle access — no walking required
• Ideal for those who want to participate in the celebration without walking the full 2.5 miles

Spectator Ticket:

• Not walking but still want to enjoy the day? Purchase a spectator ticket
• Includes access to Will Rogers Square festivities — live music, community engagement, vendors
• T‑shirt available separately

What's Included (Adult Registration):

• In‑person walk entry
• Event t‑shirt
• Access to post‑walk festivities at Will Rogers Square

Youth Registration (18 & under):

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

Schedule:

• Friday, June 19, 2026
• 9:00 AM — Walk begins
• Post‑walk festivities at Will Rogers Square — live music, community booths, food (specific times on event website)

Logistics:

• Parking available near Will Rogers Square and surrounding streets (arrive early — limited spaces)
• Public transport: Trinity Metro bus routes serve the Cultural District
• Bib pickup: race morning at Will Rogers Square (check event website for exact times)
• No refunds unless Refund Protection Program was purchased

Charity Partner:

• Unity Unlimited, Inc. — fundraising goal $25,000. Currently raised $747 (3% of goal).
• Proceeds support Juneteenth awareness programs and community unity initiatives
• Create a team or join an existing team — fundraise with friends and family