Oni Press’ 208-page biography by Angélique Roché, with artists Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe and Bex Glendining, chronicles the ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth’s decades-long fight to officially recognize American emancipation as a national holiday; now on-sale.
Oni Press has shared with AWN an exclusive 4-page excerpt from “First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth,” a 208-page graphic novel biography chronicling the life and activism of Dr. Opal Lee, widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”
Created with the support and involvement of both Dr. Lee and her granddaughter, Mrs. Dione Sims, the book traces Lee’s decades-long effort to secure national recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. The publication arrives during Black History Month and as part of a yearlong celebration of Lee’s 100th year.
The book is written by journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché, who conducted in-person interviews with Dr. Lee and undertook extensive research for the project. The creative team also includes artists Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe and Bex Glendining, with colors by Damali Beatty and lettering by Alexis Bennett with Andworld Design. The volume includes back matter providing additional historical context about Juneteenth and insights into the making of the graphic novel.
Enjoy Pages 95-98!
Born October 7, 1926, in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and became a lifelong educator and community activist. Her advocacy around Juneteenth extended beyond celebration, positioning the holiday as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people. The book culminates in June 2021, when the then-94-year-old Dr. Lee attended the White House ceremony at which President Joe Biden signed the bill recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
“This book tells our history in a way young people love — and it’s rooted in the truth,” said Dr. Opal Lee. “It’s a powerful tool to get them reading and learning.”
In the book’s preface, Roché writes, “I believe it is important to note that while this book gives ample space to the conversation of Juneteenth, Ms. Opal’s impact has been and continues to reach further than just the fight for a national holiday. Even before Ms. Opal chaired a Juneteenth committee or set her sights on walking to D.C., she had time and time again made herself a ‘committee of one.’ As a daughter, sister, mother, friend, educator, advocate, and activist, she has set out to accomplish tasks big and small. Guided by family legacy and faith, she continues to challenge the limitations others would place on us from the ordinary to the extraordinary. That is the story I set out to tell, with the sincere hope that in these words, pictures, timelines, and references, I’ve been able to capture even a modicum of her spirit and an iota of the vastness of personal power her life and legacy represent.”
Oni Press Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn added, “’First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth’ is a testament to the truly inspirational courage of Dr. Opal Lee. The book is an essential read not only for librarians, teachers, historians, and activists, but anyone interested in American history, the power of activism, and the expression of personal freedom.”
The softcover edition will retail for $19.99 US / $26.99 CAN, with a hardcover edition available for $29.99 US / $39.99 CAN. The book spans 208 pages in full color and will be available in print and digital formats.
Founded in 1997, Oni Press is an independent publisher of comic books and graphic novels. Its catalog includes titles such as Scott Pilgrim, Tea Dragon Society, The Sixth Gun, Gender Queer, Upgrade Soul, and the Sheets trilogy. In 2019, Oni Press merged with Lion Forge Comics to form the Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, now a subsidiary of Polarity, the diversified global media company founded by David Steward II.
The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth SC/HC
Writer: Angélique Roché
Artists: Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe, and Bex Glendining
Cover artist: Alvin Epps
Format: Softcover
SC Price: $19.99 US/$26.99 CAN
HC Price: $29.99 US/$39.99 CAN
Page count: 208
Full Color/Partial/B&W: Full color
Trim size: 6 x 9
ISBN: 978-1-63715-777-0
HC ISBN: 9781549307911
eISBN: 978-1-63715-778-7
On-sale date: 2/10
Source: Oni Press
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
