National Juneteenth Museum vision includes catalyst for neighborhood change

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June 1st, 2026

On the top left is a large building with three peaks and glass walls. On the bottom left is a large room with several desks for children. On the right is the portrait of a man.
Jarred Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum, joined "Closer Look with Rose Scott" to discuss the work that is underway to bring the story of Juneteenth to the country, while also empowering a historically disenfranchised community on the southside of Fort Worth, Texas. (Courtesy of National Juneteenth Museum)

Recognizing the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans has journeyed from celebrations in 1866 to Opal Lee’s campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which she achieved in 2021. Now, a museum will bring greater acknowledgement to Juneteenth, while serving a predominantly Black community that’s been historically disenfranchised.

Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, has operated her own museum dedicated to the notable time in American history for about two decades. She also led a walking campaign in major cities, including Atlanta, to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She collected 1.5 million signatures along the way.

Plans for the National Juneteenth Museum will expand upon what Lee features in her museum, and it’s scheduled to break ground this fall in her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, on her 100th birthday.

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