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First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth
Published by Oni Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
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Table of Contents
About The Book
The incredible journey of activist Opal Lee—known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth—is brought to life in this biographical graphic novel that not only explores Opal’s remarkable path, but the history of the holiday of Juneteenth itself.
From the 1860s to Ms. Opal’s childhood home, from her years as a teacher to the White House, First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth seeks to give readers an insight into the history behind one of the central figures in the creation of America’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth.
Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.
Ms. Opal’s life personifies the fight for everyday freedom that leads to lasting change. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, “There is so much more to do.”
Written by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché (My Super Hero is Black) and drawn by a trio of talented artists—including Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (the upcoming Indigo Port), and rising star Millicent Monroe—The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth promises to illuminate the life of a singular woman and the history of a momentous holiday, with additional back matter providing more insights into Juneteenth’s history and the making of this graphic novel tribute.
From the 1860s to Ms. Opal’s childhood home, from her years as a teacher to the White House, First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth seeks to give readers an insight into the history behind one of the central figures in the creation of America’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth.
Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.
Ms. Opal’s life personifies the fight for everyday freedom that leads to lasting change. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, “There is so much more to do.”
Written by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché (My Super Hero is Black) and drawn by a trio of talented artists—including Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (the upcoming Indigo Port), and rising star Millicent Monroe—The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth promises to illuminate the life of a singular woman and the history of a momentous holiday, with additional back matter providing more insights into Juneteenth’s history and the making of this graphic novel tribute.
About The Illustrators
Bex Glendining is a biracial queer, UK based illustrator, comic artist and colourist. Their debut graphic novel Indigo Port is scheduled for a 2025 release with Abrams Books. When not working they can usually be found building miniature rooms, playing video games with friends or fussing Cookie, their very spoiled tortoiseshell cat.
Product Details
- Publisher: Oni Press (February 10, 2026)
- Length: 208 pages
- ISBN13: 9781549307911
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Raves and Reviews
"The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is a powerful and beautifully rendered tribute to one of America’s most inspiring activists. Angélique Roché and her talented team of artists bring Opal Lee’s extraordinary journey to life, from her childhood in a segregated America to her tireless fight for Juneteenth as a national holiday. This graphic novel not only honors Dr. Opal’s legacy as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” but also offers readers a vivid exploration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice. With its rich storytelling and striking visuals, The First Freedom is both a celebration of history and a call to action for the future."
– Karine Jean-Pierre, Author and former White House Press Secretary to President Joe Biden
“Angelique Roche has written a story that defies comprehension. The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth takes you on a journey you won’t soon forget. It opens portals to the imagination that few authors are capable of. I highly recommend it."
– Rodney Barnes, Award-Winning Comic Book Writer/Creator (Crownsville, Kiladelphia) and Screenwriter/Producer (The Boondocks, My Wife and Kids, Everybody Hates Chris, Those Who Can't)
Wow! I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that I usually begin any American History book with a side-eye, even ones that focus on the Black American experience. Why? Too often, I’ve found that the book version of history doesn’t square up with my family’s own recollections of surviving pre-civil rights America. Angélique Roche's First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth changed my side-eye to an actual smile: In First Freedom, page after page and panel after panel, I was bowled over with the depth and care given to the story of Opal “Granddear” Lee. I felt like I was finally getting the honest, unabridged version of this American History hero. First Freedom does a magnificent job of displaying the parts of history some would rather erase, but it is also a journey of joy despite those parts. Against a backdrop of mid-century greats like Mahalia Jackson, Martin Luther King, well, American Racism, First Freedom reminds us to be grateful for the determined, plucky women who change our world. Thank you for giving another of our hidden figures the love and legacy she deserves."
– Angela Nissel, Author and Television Writer (Scrubs, The Other Black Girl, Bigger)
"In a country where history is being redacted in real time, the mere existence of The First Freedom is heartening. But Angélique Roché and her co-creators have done more; they've given us the Grandmother of Juneteenth with all her fire intact, and in doing so, they remind us that liberation isn’t a chapter we’ve closed—it’s the work still on our desks.”
– Kelly Sue Deconnick, Award-Winning Comics Writer and Editor
"In an era where the truths of history are being snuffed out all around us, Ms. Opal's story blazes with light."
– Saladin Ahmed, Award-Winning Comic Book Writer/Creator
“A graphic novel for the times. The First Freedom: The story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is an inspirational, entertaining and necessary piece of art from Angélique and team. This beautifully crafted comic is as strikingly timely as it is undeniably timeless.”
– Yetide Badaki, Actress (American Gods)
"The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth already looks like one of next year’s most important releases.”
– Broken Frontier
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Book Cover Image (jpg): First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth
Hardcover 9781549307911
