First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth

by Angelique Roche, Alvin Epps (Illustrator), Millicent Monroe (Illustrator)

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, The First 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 On Starlit Shores), and rising star Millicent Monroe—The First 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.

Genres: History, Comics, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Biography Memoir

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Dr. A. Angélique Roché, JD. LL.M. is an author, researcher, journalist, educator, and professional host from New Orleans, LA.

She is an adjunct professor at Xavier University of Louisiana, teaching Black Press and African American Rhetoric and Culture, and served as the Religion and Public Life Fellow for Arts and Popular Culture at the Harvard Divinity School from 2024 to 2025.

A multi-hyphenate storyteller, her work sits at the crossroads of history, current events, and their impact on pop culture. Her first graphic novel, "Trinity City" #1, a collaborative Afrofuturist community-based project, debuted in 2023. Her upcoming graphic novel, "First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth," will be released in February 2026. She is the co-author of Marvel Entertainment and Simon & Schuster Gallery Books’ "My Super Hero is Black."

A lifelong learner, Angélique earned a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism from Southern University and A&M College, a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center, and a Master of Laws from GWU Law School. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Library and Information Science, with a concentration in archival studies and historic preservation from Louisiana State University.

Reviews

[Jamye Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is both beautifully written and richly illustrated, tracing the long arc from the Emancipation Proclamation to its long-delayed enforcement—two and a half years later—across every state. Woven through this history is the remarkable life of Opal Lee, whose own experiences move alongside the Civil Rights movement, desegregation, the election of the first African American president, and the eventual recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

The book is powerful and deeply moving, never flinching from the hard truths or the hard work. It stands as a testament to struggle, to hope, to determination, and to the unending effort required to bend the world toward justice. It invites readers not just to witness history, but to carry the work forward.

[Suzze Tiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, with a timeline and a great story of Opal Lee, a Texas grandmother who persevered and got Juneteenth recognized as a national holiday.

[Tayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this early copy.
What an incredible woman and inspiring story told in a stunning way. As a white British woman, I’m ashamed to say I didn’t really know anything about Juneteenth. This has taught me a lot and opened my eyes up to the discrimination and segregation people of colour face even today.

[Haerlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations, timeline of Juneteenth and the biography of Opal Lee combine to make this an unforgettable graphic novel. I would recommend it for libraries, those who are interested in American history, women's history, Black American history and more.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for an early copy in exchange for a honest review.

First Freedom is a graphic novel biography on the life of Opal Lee and the history of getting Juneteenth declared as a national holiday. I went into this graphic novel expecting it to have more history and information on Opal Lee and Junteenth, but instead this was more a series of vignettes or glances at moments of Opal Lee’s life with a tie to Juneteenth and segregation/discrimination in the past in general. While there were inferences to horrible atrocities, they were all very glazed over and easily missed if the reader wasn’t paying attention. This is not necessary a bad thing, but the very sanitized look at these moments in time seemed to be cutting out all of the impact. If this was the intention, it almost would have served the story better to instead only briefly go over things as a montage, which was done rather effectively at times, and instead focus the bulk of the story on Opal’s walk to DC instead of having that as a brief section.

In terms of art, it is effective but basic. The idea and outline of it was well done, but the layouts, color use, and graphic medium was not used in a way to do more then convay the story.

This graphic novel serves as a good jumping off point for learning more about Juneteenth, especially with the robust bibliography and vignettes the story walks through. While weak on it’s own, I would still recommend it as part of the start of understanding.

[Doe Is Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

So the reason I wanted to read this is because I saw it on my favourite Graphic novel publisher, Oni Press's, Netgalley and know I've been trying to read more diverse stories so I applied for it. Friends this book was so much more educational than I was expecting. I need you to know, coming into this I had not much of a clue about Juneteenth, and/or Opal Lee as we don't get taught a lot of black/american history within our schooling system, or see a lot of things around it within out local media. This is exactly the kind of book that I am trying to read to learn more about the history that was never taught to us. To read Opal's story was facinating and to read the history behind why she did what she did was such an eye opening experience. I knew what the celebration of Juneteenth meant but I did not know the complete history behind it, or even the history of what ended up coming after it. Human beings like Opal show us exactly why this needed to get the recognition it deserved and I really appreciated that the author who wrote this put so much time and research into this and added more resources in order for us to further educate ourselves. I loved every minute of this graphic novel and definitely would recommend this to everyone.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving tribute to a woman who spent a lot of time and energy throughout her life fighting for the recognition of others through the celebration of Juneteenth.

Providing a life's overview in graphic novel biographical form, it skips around in time though it does place you in the date and location whenever the move happens to give you a dose of what Lee's early life looked like (lots of moving, discrimination, and her family's attempt at upward mobility even in the face of blatant hatred) and her perseverance in marching and talking to others about the importance of history. I do think it moved back and forth a little too much for my taste, however the breadth of Lee's life (including her own education, career, and family) are wonderfully thorough.

There are quite a few events that are referenced including the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. (and the earlier, not often discussed fact about being stabbed with a letter opener at a book signing event) but also the election of the first Black president and referendums past and present.

[Kira K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Straight off the bat this is a great book, I loved the dedication and the beginning to the preface was beautiful so it gave me a great indication of what I was getting myself into. I thought the beginning of the story with the mirror taking us into Opal’s childhood. Opal is such a resilient woman and she has a really amazing story. I thought the Bible quotes throughout were a nice touch since Opal mentions her closeness to God at the beginning. This could be a great way to explain the importance of Juneteenth and the recent legal holiday protection to children as the story is easy to follow and it doesn’t speak in an overly complicated manner. I also appreciated the extended timeline, further reading and having so many sources and resources at the end and there’s lots of further learning to be done from there.

Favourite Quote:
“We have simply got to make people aware that none of us are free until we're all free, and we aren't free yet.”

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoy a graphic-novel that blends biography with broader cultural history, and I’m continuing to gravitate towards Black experiences. I’m also looking for more socially conscious, identity focused narratives. First Freedom focuses on Opal Lee’s civil rights activism and the fight for systemic change. This deep dive into activist history is something I enjoy, and this book delivers.

Opal Lee was like many African Americans, suffering discrimination left and right, all while attempting upward mobility. She was an activist all her life. One of the things that I really liked about this graphic biography is that not only does it show Opal Lee’s life, but it also shows moments in the civil rights movement. I was today years old when I found out that Martin Luther King was stabbed with a letter opener in 1958!

This is the type of book that teachers and librarians will love.

[Ashleigh the Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is about the life of Opal Lee and the importance of Juneteenth. Personally, I hadn't known much of Opal Lee since she's not taught about or even mentioned much in history which is a shame because she is such a remarkable woman. Not only how amazing she is, but the true meaning of Juneteenth. It wasn't just a random day that slaves were free, but a day that marked generational pain, grief, and heartache. One fact that I didn't know was that Texas was a state that didn't even tell the slaves and that slave owners were trying to "escape" to Texas so they could keep their slaves.
I feel-as a Native born Texan- it was only fitting that Opal Lee was from Texas herself. She created a legacy and with this book, everyone will know of her and the importance of Juneteenth.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and entertaining look at the history of Juneteenth and its proponent, Opal Lee.

I went into this novel knowing nothing about Juneteenth, beyond having vaguely heard the word, so I really enjoyed learning about its origins, meaning, and the journey to its recognition. Mrs Opal Lee, again, I had never heard of, and you can't help but feel inspired by everything that this woman has accomplished, always focusing on what else needs to be done.

The only reason that this is a 4 star rather than 5 is that the plotting of the story confused me at times, as it wasn't always clear where we were in time, since we move around Mrs Opal's life and history. Some points were also expanded fully, so I was never entirely sure who anyone was other that Mrs Opal and her granddaughter, but that didn't detract from the overall story and message.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!

[Frankkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cool, quick read about the history of Juneteenth and the woman who helped bring the day to national attention. I knew only a surface-level amount about the holiday, and almost nothing about Opal Lee or her role in its journey to becoming a federal holiday. This graphic novel goes deeper into both.

The format makes the history engaging and easy to follow. The scenes flow well, and the artwork helps ground the timeline in something tangible and human. There are a few artistic liberties in the storytelling to keep things moving, but it never feels distracting.

A thoughtful, accessible way to learn the history behind Juneteenth. A great read for Black History Month.

I received this book as an eARC.

[Anne Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Freedom succeeds as a powerful, accessible portrait of a woman who refused to let America forget its own history. It is a graphic novel that invites reflection without losing its momentum — a fitting tribute to Opal Lee’s quiet, steady insistence that freedom must be remembered, taught, and lived.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel that covers local history! Despite having three different artists, it was still somewhat cohesive, but the switching between time periods was confusing. It wasn't until I read the timeline in back that I realized Opal had divorced and that's why she went back to her mother.

[Matthew Noe]

Booklist review pending

[Relena_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every cause needs a Granddear to shepherd it to completion and my world is richer for understanding the story (so far) of Ms. Opal Lee, and for her unceasing emphasis on the power of community. The other workers on the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday in the US are also featured and acknowledged, but Ms. Lee's steadfast and innovative stewardship are at the heart of the story. The richness of Ms. Lee's life creates a strong central core and Ms. Roche's art draws the reader through, even if it sticks to relatively similar designs. I look forward to sharing this story with others.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story! I knew some of the history of Juneteenth, but not Opal Lee's part in making the holiday happen. The book did a great job of alternating between Opal Lee's childhood and more current times with the juxtaposition of how she is treated that would be shocking to many current-day readers. I think this book is a great way to show that change doesn't just happen but has to be championed by those who are persistent and dedicated and never give up, like Opal Lee. The illustrations capture the feelings and information of events and bring history to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher (and Opal Lee!) for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.