TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) – 10 girls around Central Texas were in Temple competing for a scholarship at the annual Tri County Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant. This year, they were graced by the presence of the grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee.
The sound of freedom echoed off the walls of the Temple Cultural Activities Center where Dr. Lee was in the front row to celebrate how far they’ve come.
“I’m so glad they are and I’m so glad Juneteenth is getting to the forefront,” Dr. Lee says.
KWTX sat down with Dr. Lee to talk to her about being in Temple for this occasion, joy filled her face as she talked about June 19, 1865.
“Oh wow, they began celebrating. And we’ve been celebrating ever since,” Dr. Lee says.
She sat and watched as each girl took center stage and embraced heir uniqueness through performances like poetry, dance, and song.
And Dr. Lee says she is hopeful knowing this is the next generation of leaders.
“It’s awe-inspiring that these young ladies would take the time to represent their communities and they are all so beautiful. And they are all learning themselves, and they are teaching others. I’m just so proud of them.”
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