Opal Lee attends Black History Month celebration at White House
The Fort Price grandmother, recognized for her struggle to create a Juneteenth federal vacation, acquired a particular invitation to attend the occasion hosted by President Biden and the primary girl.
Native civil rights activist Opal Lee celebrated Black History Month on Monday at the White House.
The Fort Price grandmother, recognized for her struggle to create a Juneteenth federal vacation, acquired a particular invitation to attend the occasion hosted by President Biden and the primary girl. It included cupboard members, elected officers and civil rights leaders.
“I’m also proud to be joined by Opal Lee, we made the first federal holiday of the Juneteenth holiday in the last 40 years… good to see you Ms. Lee,” President Joe Biden stated.
“I’m just delighted that they invited me,” Lee stated in an interview with FOX4 earlier than the occasion.
Lee says the invitation got here with only a few days’ discover to get to Washington.
She was unclear of simply how the occasion would unfold, however famous if she acquired the possibility to talk to the president, she had an concept of what she’d say.
“I’d like to be able to say thank you for the holiday and to let the public know that this is not the end of it, but we’ve got work to do still. There’s still joblessness, homelessness, healthcare, climate change… All of these things have to be addressed. And education, education, education!”
Her sentiments appear to be shared by Biden, who talked about a few of the similar subjects in the course of the occasion.
“Prescription drugs childcare, housing, make healthcare more affordable, make progress on Black maternal health, something that Kamala has been leading the effort on. To end cancer as we know it,” he stated, itemizing different necessary priorities.
Biden additionally included a name to motion on one in every of his administration’s high priorities.
“We call on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, pass the Freedom To Vote Act! We can do this,” he stated.
Afterward, Lee shared photos of her chatting with members of Congress and civil rights activists.
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