Celebrate freedom with a 2.5-mile walk honoring Dr. Opal Lee.
Join Americans across the country for Opal’s Walk for Freedom 2026, a powerful Juneteenth celebration honoring Dr. Opal Lee’s 100th birthday, her historic fight to help make Juneteenth a national holiday, and America’s 250th anniversary — in Pacoima or virtually from wherever you are.
Walk for freedom. Walk for history. Walk together.
The 2026 Opal’s Walk for Freedom is both a community walk and a Juneteenth celebration. As we commemorate Dr. Opal Lee’s birthday, we also celebrate Dr. Lee for helping lead the fight that brought national recognition to the Juneteenth holiday.
Celebrate Juneteenth & a milestone
Join a meaningful event recognizing Dr. Opal Lee’s 100th birthday while celebrating the freedom, remembrance, and community spirit at the heart of Juneteenth.
Walk 2.5 miles
Walk in person in Pacoima or take part virtually in your own neighborhood, on a treadmill, or at a local track.
Honor Dr. Lee’s legacy
Participants are expected from Cincinnati, Evanston, Fort Worth, Honolulu, St. Paul, Grants Pass, Washington, DC, and beyond to honor the woman who helped fight for Juneteenth to be recognized nationally.
Celebrating Dr. Lee
This year’s walk is also a special feature of our Juneteenth celebration — honoring Dr. Opal Lee for the work, courage, and perseverance she brought to the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday.
Why we celebrate Ms. Lee
Dr. Opal Lee became a national symbol of perseverance and remembrance, inspiring people across the country to recognize Juneteenth as an essential part of American history.
More than a birthday tribute
While commemorating Ms. Lee’s birthday, this event also lifts up her legacy as one of the leading voices who helped fight for the Juneteenth holiday to receive national recognition.
Participating cities
Walk with local communities across the country, or join virtually wherever you are.
Everything you need for the Los Angeles walk in Pacoima.
Plan your day, bring your people, and walk in honor of freedom.
Los Angeles Walk Live
- Start: H.T. Broadous Elementary School, 12561 Filmore St, Pacoima
- End: Pacoima City Hall, 13520 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Registration begins: 7:30 a.m.
- Walk begins: 9:00 a.m.
Virtual participation
Can’t make it in person? Register and walk virtually through your neighborhood, on a treadmill, at a local track, or anywhere you can.
Freedom is a shared value worth celebrating wherever you are.
Neighborhood walkTreadmillTrackAnywhereWalk or ride
Those who can are invited to walk the full 2.5 miles. If you have physical limitations, buses will follow the route and will be available for you to ride for all or any portion of the walk route.
Why this matters
This event brings together unity-focused experiences that highlight civic pride, historical awareness, and cross-cultural celebration. It is both a commemoration and a Juneteenth gathering that celebrates shared freedom while honoring Ms. Lee’s role in helping fight for the holiday.
Be part of this historic celebration in person or online.
Choose the option that works best for you and your family.
Adult Registration
Includes event T-shirt.
Youth Registration
For youth 18 and under. T-shirt available for purchase.
Virtual Option
Register online and participate from wherever you are.
Ready to join Opal’s Walk for Freedom?
Register online now and take part in this shared Juneteenth celebration of freedom.
Frequently asked questions
Sponsors & community partners
Support from local leaders, organizations, and community champions helps make this event possible.
Become a sponsor
Add your name and support a community-centered Juneteenth celebration honoring Dr. Opal Lee.
Call: 818-454-4626
Contact & information
Website: SFVJuneteenth.org
Phone: 818-454-4626
Registration: opalswalk.com