First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth

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

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, Biography, History

208 pages, Hardcover

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

[Frances Anna Gaines-Harrison]

This author gives us an easy read with illustrations that teaches the truth about Opal Lee and the Juneteenth story. A book which I believe should be in every home and enjoyed by children and adults alike.

[Lesley]

I can't say I knew much about Opal Lee and the implementation of Juneteenth as a national holiday and I'm glad I know more now!

[Graemme Boone]

GREAT information in an interesting format. Definitely a book I would recommend.

[Lauren]

A succinct yet informative look at the history behind Juneteenth. Not only does Roché give the history behind the first Juneteenth, but she also integrates it into Opal Lee’s amazing story of loving God, loving others, and putting her feet to the pavement when there’s work to be done.

[Jennybeast]

I think this is well done, but boy does it cram a lot in -- the flow of history, both personal and general, overlapping Opal Lee's quest for the recognition of the Juneteenth holiday. Powerful, but takes a lot of concentration to follow.