Latest news with #DrOpalLee
CBS News
12 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
National Juneteenth Museum moves closer to reality in Fort Worth
A long-awaited symbol of freedom and progress is one step closer to taking shape in Fort Worth's historic Southside. The National Juneteenth Museum, a project years in the making, is set to rise on the site of the Southside Community Center. The Fort Worth City Council approved the demolition of the building earlier this year, clearing the way for construction. Honoring Juneteenth's legacy "It's going to be a beacon of light," said Fort Worth City Council member Chris Nettles. "It's going to be fresh air." The museum will honor and celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became federally recognized in 2021, thanks in large part to the efforts of Fort Worth's own Dr. Opal Lee, who spent decades raising awareness about its significance. "It means so much to Fort Worth because our very own was an icon to make sure that this is not just a Texas thing, but this is a national freedom for all people," Nettles said. "Because none of us are free until we all are free." The National Juneteenth Museum Photo courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group, KAI Enterprises and National Juneteenth Museum Catalyst for community growth Nettles believes the museum will not only preserve history but also spark new growth in the surrounding neighborhood. "It will bring so much traffic and growth and activity to an area that has, over some period, begun to die off or gotten old," he said. The city has committed $15 million to the project, and the Texas Legislature has pledged another $10 million. However, museum leaders say construction won't begin until all fundraising is complete. $70 million project in progress The total cost of the museum is estimated at $70 million. "My greatest hope is that families will be able to come together from all different cultures, to come to a location and understand history," Nettles said. "Schools will be able to come here — Fort Worth ISD, Crowley ISD, Keller ISD. They'll come to a location here in Fort Worth. It's going to be incredible." The National Juneteenth Museum is expected to become a landmark of cultural and historical significance, not just for North Texas but for the entire country. Freedom Vibes festival kicks off To celebrate Juneteenth, the museum is hosting a four-day festival called Freedom Vibes. The festivities begin Thursday evening and run through Sunday, with multiple events and activities planned throughout Fort Worth. Organizers hope the celebration will grow into the country's premier Juneteenth event.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Honors Juneteenth by Celebrating Economic Justice Partners and a Legacy of Community Empowerment
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In commemoration of Juneteenth, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated hosted a virtual Economic Justice Town Hall on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, honoring the trailblazing vision of its Five Founders and the enduring legacy of Dr. Opal Lee—known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta. The Town Hall highlighted the Sorority's commitment to economic empowerment and featured a robust discussion on community-driven resources and opportunities made possible through Zeta's longstanding partnerships. "Our Economic Justice Town Hall was both a tribute to Dr. Opal Lee's historic contributions and a call to action," said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It's a reminder of the work still needed to dismantle systemic barriers to equity. Economic justice is essential to achieving the American Dream, and it will take all of us working together to eliminate disparities in areas like employment, housing, healthcare access, and financial literacy." Throughout the event, Zeta leaders celebrated a range of strategic alliances that strengthen the Sorority's ability to deliver internal and community-based economic resources through the Sorority's Signature Initiative established in 2022, Women Who initiative supports small business owners in creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship. Honored partners included: Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Dfree Movement The BOSS Network National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) World of Money The Sorority's partnership with WBENC, a first of its kind within National PanHellenic Council organizations, advances opportunities for women entrepreneurs through business certification, mentorship, and scalable development programs. Zeta also showcased another first, with theirncollaboration with NAREB, aimed at equipping aspiring homeowners with tools and knowledge to navigate and access the real estate market. Leaders from The BOSS Network, Dfree Movement and World of Money emphasized the importance of financial education and how partnerships like these are critical to advancing economic equity in Black and Brown communities. The full Economic Justice Town Hall is available for viewing on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's official YouTube channel: About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated:Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization's principles, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, guide its members in uplifting communities and creating positive change. With a legacy of excellence, Zeta Phi Beta continues to impact lives through its diverse philanthropic efforts and dedication to empowering women worldwide. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
