From History to Homecoming: Honoring Dr. Opal Lee, The Grandmother of Juneteenth, as She Moves into Her New Home at Family’s Historic 940 E. Annie Property

FORT WORTH, TX, JUNE 3, 2024 – Dr. Opal Lee, known as The Grandmother of Juneteenth, will be joyously celebrated, supported, and welcomed into her new home at the family's historic 940 E. Annie property on June 14th. This historic homecoming event was made possible by the collective efforts and local partnership of HistoryMaker Homes, Texas Capital, and Trinity Habitat for Humanity. 

Each of these organizations plays a key role in this historic home build for Dr. Lee. HistoryMaker Homes built the home at no cost to Dr. Lee and, in collaboration with Trinity Habitat for Humanity, oversaw the construction of her home, ensuring a timely move-in date. Prior to the build, Dr. Lee visited the HistoryMaker Homes design center where she selected all of the flooring, fixtures and lighting for her home. Texas Capital provided a grant to Dr. Lee’s non-profit, Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity, which allowed her to furnish the home, creating a comfortable and welcoming space.  

Trinity Habitat for Humanity, in addition to acquiring the 940 E. Annie property back in January 2021, organized the groundbreaking and wall-raising ceremonies, and a Day 1 volunteer day. JCPenney, a longstanding supporter of Dr. Lee, donated small kitchen appliances, dinnerware, and home décor for her kitchen and living spaces as well as all linens for her bedrooms and bathrooms.  

While this new home represents a full circle moment for Dr. Lee and her family, its foundation stands on the same hallowed ground where her family's lives were deeply uprooted by racism and violence. On June 19th, 1939, when Opal was only 12 years old, after only a few nights of living in their home, hundreds of white rioters gathered to harass, vandalize, and run their family out of the neighborhood. 

Friday, June 14th, does not mark the end of the story, but a significant new chapter in Dr. Lee’s enduring legacy and a testament to her remarkable journey. Scheduled a few days before Juneteenth, attendees will witness the gathering of community leaders, activists, and supporters joining together to celebrate our local civil rights leader, The Grandmother of Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee. 

Event Details:  
•    Date: Friday, June 14, 2024 
•    Time: 10:00 a.m. 
•    Location: 940 E. Annie St. Fort Worth, TX 76104 

Dr. Opal Lee will be available from 8:30 a.m.– 9:30 a.m. for photos and interviews. 

The ceremony will feature a lineup of distinguished officials who will discuss Dr. Lee’s monumental contributions to civil rights, her tireless advocacy for justice, and the enduring impact of her work on federal, state, and local levels.  

“Dr. Lee’s contribution to our nation through her work for racial justice cannot be understated, and we are deeply honored to have built her new home that now proudly stands where great injustices once occurred,” said Nelson Mitchell, CEO of HistoryMaker Homes. “Each time Dr. Lee enters her home, we hope it not only offers her a welcoming space but also great sense of pride. Alongside our more than 50 partners and trades, our entire team at HistoryMaker was proud to work together on this project and now present Dr. Lee with the keys to her new home.” 

“Texas Capital is honored to be part of this historical moment as our community comes together to welcome Ms. Opal Lee home,” said Effie Dennison, Texas Capital’s head of Community Development and president of the Texas Capital Foundation. “Her home is built upon a foundation of the same love, strength and determination that Ms. Lee has demonstrated throughout her life in fighting for justice and racial equity.” 

“With tears of sadness for past atrocities and tears of joy for this momentous occasion, we are humbled and honored to welcome our friend Opal home,” said Gage Yager, CEO of Trinity Habitat for Humanity. “There truly is no place like home!” 

Local and national news stations, reporters, and community members are encouraged to attend this landmark event and share in the celebration of Dr. Lee’s legacy and welcome her home. 

About HistoryMaker Homes 
For 75 years, HistoryMaker Homes has been making it easy for customers to make a smart choice in home ownership. Each home that HistoryMaker builds includes intelligent construction, energy efficiency, flexible home technology, and functional floor plans built to enhance everyday life. As a fourth-generation, familyowned business, HistoryMaker Homes builds communities throughout Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio. In addition, HistoryMaker is ranked #25 by Homebuilder on its Top Private Homebuilders in the Nation list and #57 on Builder Magazine’s list of Top 100 Homebuilders Nationwide list. To learn more, visit www.historymaker.com. 

About Texas Capital  
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ®: TCBI), a member of the Russell 2000® Index and the S&P MidCap 400®, the parent company of Texas Capital Bank d/b/a Texas Capital, is a full-service financial services firm that delivers customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs, and individual customers. Founded in 1998, the institution is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth and has built a network of clients across the country. With the ability to service clients through their entire lifecycles, Texas Capital has established commercial banking, consumer banking, investment banking and wealth management capabilities. All services are subject to applicable laws, regulations, and service terms. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit www.texascapital.com. 

About Trinity Habitat for Humanity  
Trinity Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing solutions for families in need. With a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Trinity Habitat for Humanity works alongside volunteers and partner families to build homes and strengthen communities. To learn more, please visit www.trinityhabitat.org. 

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Media Contacts

HistoryMaker Homes, Mary Kate Jeffries, 213-957-0850, [email protected] 

Texas Capital, Julia Monter, 469-399-8425, [email protected] 

Trinity Habitat for Humanity, Liz Jackson, 614-329-1999, [email protected]