“We're not free until we're all free."

Opal Lee

It was such a pleasure to interview Opal Lee for the cover article in the May/June eEdition of County Line Magazine. She described how her upbringing in Marshall, Texas, first inspired her determination to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. She accomplished that just last year and now, at 96 years old, Lee’s voice continues to ring with conviction that freedom is for everyone.

County Line Magazine is full of stories of many amazing people from the region. Find them in our Upper East Side Texans section. Visit our calendar and Things To Do for events, exhibits, and shows. For more inspiration check out the eMagazine. — Lisa Tang

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"Juneteenth Review," oil on canvas by Antonio E. Garcia (1943) depicts a community beauty pageant on Juneteenth in Corpus Christi's South Bluff Park. The painting is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi. Read more about the history of Juneteenth in County Line Magazine. 

Opal Lee Walks Juneteenth to Victory

As a child in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee loved the playful joys of an elaborate annual summer community picnic at a local park. The older relatives called it “Juneteenth,” commemorating freedom for enslaved people. When she was 10 years old, Lee’s family moved to Fort Worth. Just two years later, she learned the harsh realities of racism firsthand as rioters vandalized and set fire to her home. READ MORE.

Jazz Musician Lammar Wright Born in Texarkana 

Lammar Wright, cornet and trumpet player, was born in Texarkana, Texas, on June 20, circa 1905. Influenced by the great New Orleans trumpeter Joe "King" Oliver, Wright's style has been praised for its searing immediacy. READ MORE.

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

Shop Historic Downtown Canton

Beyond the few days of the monthly First Monday Trade Days, a visible revitalization to historic downtown Canton is welcoming shopping enthusiasts to experience its small-town charm anytime throughout the year. Visitors find plenty of choices for dining, shopping, a pocket park, and even overnight accommodations. Stores in downtown Canton offer a variety of items for all kinds of shopping tastes. READ MORE.

Add A Sweet Kick With Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is delicious in tacos, on grilled chicken, tossed in a rice bowl, or in a shrimp foil packet — the possibilities are endless. READ MORE.

NEW THIS WEEK

• Texarkana Museum Exhibits Goodloe's Photography