Brandon J. Manning, Ph.D., an associate professor of Black Literature and Culture at Texas Christian University and a Jackson State University alum, walked with Ms. Opal Lee on the first federally recognized Juneteenth day two summers ago. (Photo credit: @ProfBManning)

Afterward, Manning nominated Ms. Lee for an honorary doctorate from TCU, where she received a standing ovation. Manning’s research focuses on contemporary African American literary and cultural studies and popular culture, and he has published several essays in journals and edited collections, as well as co-edited a special issue of The Black Scholar.

Last summer, Zuri and I walked with Ms. Opal Lee in the first federally recognized Juneteenth day.

Shortly after, I nominated Ms. Lee to get an honorary doctorate from @TCU. She received that award today. It was wonderful to see the TCU community give her a standing ovation. pic.twitter.com/9QLbir4l2q

— Brandon J Manning, Ph.D. (@ProfBManning) December 18, 2021

Ms. Opal Lee was one of the recipients of an honorary doctorate during the University of North Texas Spring 2023 Commencement events. Lee, known as “Juneteenth’s Grandmother,” is a lifelong advocate for civil rights and a retired educator who co-founded the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society.

Lee led the successful campaign to make Juneteenth a national holiday and received her doctoral degree during the doctoral and master’s ceremonies on May 14 in the UNT Coliseum. Despite her recent accomplishments, Lee remains humble and continues to work toward issues such as education, equity, and climate change.

It’s UNT Trivia Thursday. Monday is Juneteenth, which marks the date enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom a full 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. What UNT alum is known as the “grandmother of Juneteenth”? pic.twitter.com/PLdSXYJCC4

— North Texan (@NorthTexan) June 15, 2023

Join SNIPES for a 3-day event called “Black Is Not a Monolith” to celebrate Juneteenth in NYC and Baltimore.

The event will showcase Black culture and entrepreneurship, featuring a panel discussion on the power of Black entrepreneurship and limited edition Juneteenth “Black Is Not a Monolith” merchandise for attendees. Click here for more information.

This celebration aims to recognize the diverse identities of the Black community and the resilience of Black entrepreneurs while empowering rising Black entrepreneurs.

In Baltimore, SNIPES will host an in-store activation at the Parkway Crossing store on June 17th, offering complimentary culinary delights, live DJ music, and Cloudy Donuts’ delicious offerings. The first lucky customers will receive a limited edition SUPLMNT water bottle as a gift with purchase.

On June 19th, SNIPES will host the “Black Is Not a Monolith” panel discussion at the prestigious Hotel Revival, featuring influential leaders, trailblazing entrepreneurs, visionary artists, and inspiring influencers discussing various topics that empower and shape the future of the minority community.

The event concludes with a cultural mixer at Hotel Revival, where the community can come together to celebrate Juneteenth, enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and reflect on its significance. Join us for this unforgettable experience. For more information, click here.