Oni Press Presents “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth”
Oni Press has announced a powerful new original graphic novel, “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth.” This significant work is set to debut in February 2026. The release marks a poignant moment in history. It arrives 46 years after Texas first recognized Juneteenth as a statewide holiday and five years after its establishment as a federal holiday. As long-time followers of new comics, we recognize this as a landmark announcement in storytelling.
This biographical graphic novel chronicles the incredible journey and relentless courage of activist Opal Lee. Many know her as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Her quest was to elevate the recognition of American Emancipation from local advocacy to the White House. The creative team behind this project is truly exceptional. It pairs acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché (“My Super Hero is Black”) with a trio of gifted artists. Alvin Epps (“I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel”), Bex Glendining (the upcoming “Indigo Port”), and rising star Millicent Monroe each lend their unique talents. They will illustrate different, interlocking chapters of Ms. Lee’s arduous life.
Unveiling The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth
The graphic novel delves deep into American history. It explores the true struggles of millions of Black Americans who lived through the first Juneteenth celebrations in 1865. Furthermore, it examines the aftermath that affected their descendants for generations. The narrative spans from the 1860s to Ms. Opal Lee’s childhood. It continues through her years as a teacher, culminating in her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024. “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth” provides readers with profound insight into the history behind one of America’s newest federal holidays. It also highlights the monumental figure who championed it. The amazing comic book covers by Alvin Epps are sure to be a visual treat.
Author Angélique Roché shared her thoughts on the project. “It doesn’t take much to see that the great-granddaughter of a runaway slave, born into Jim Crow and segregation, taught through integration and grew to be the grandmother of Juneteenth, has a story that needs to be told,” she said. “All too often, the stories of African Americans and our communities are filled with devastating gaps and missing moments, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. The story of Ms. Opal Lee fills those gaps, highlighting everyday struggles and the critical moments between emancipation – that first freedom – and the hard-fought freedoms won since.”
Polarity CEO David Steward II also expressed his enthusiasm. “We’re honored to bring Opal Lee’s extraordinary story to life for a new generation,” he stated. “‘First Freedom’ illustrates how one voice can inspire meaningful change, chronicling Opal’s journey from grassroots activism to national recognition, elevating Juneteenth beyond a historical milestone. The graphic novel serves as a powerful testament to resilience, justice, and freedom—a narrative that embodies the values we aspire to share with our Oni readers.” We at Comic Book Addicts believe this is a story that needs to be shared.
Roché added, “While Ms. Opal is known as a champion for Juneteenth and what it stands for, her lifetime commitment to service touches every aspect of her life. From motherhood to the classroom, serving as a deaconess in her church, starting and maintaining a community food bank, breaking ground on an urban farm, providing educational scholarships, and creating opportunities for affordable housing, Ms. Opal shows how we can move mountains in the pursuit of ensuring freedom for all people, one step at a time.”
Born in 1926, Opal Lee’s life is a testament to perseverance. She grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming its many obstacles. A lifelong educator and community activist, she joined the movement to celebrate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all. Her life personifies the resilience that leads to lasting change. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth herself says, “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.” This is a message that resonates deeply within the stories we love from The Comic Book Addicts.
Discover the extraordinary life of Opal Lee and the rarely told true story of the Juneteenth holiday itself. “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth” arrives in February 2026 from the esteemed publisher Oni Press.
Creative Team:
- Writer: Angélique Roché
- Artists: Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining, Millicent Monroe
- Cover Artist: Alvin Epps
What are your thoughts on this historic graphic novel? Head over to our Twitter page at https://x.com/comicbookaddtc and let us know!
