Happy birthday, Ms. Opal Lee: The Fort Worth native and "Grandmother of Juneteenth" turns 100 years old – CBS News

Happy birthday, Ms. Opal Lee: The Fort Worth native and “Grandmother of Juneteenth” turns 100 years old  CBS News

Navigating her senior years in a way that defies superlatives, Ms. Opal Lee, Fort Worth's most famous citizen who's lovingly known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," is now a centenarian. And she is not only thankful to have reached this milestone but also adamant that she still has something to show the younger generation."It's good to be here! At 100 years old? Good gracious a life!" she said in a sit-down interview with CBS Texas anchor and reporter Robbie Owens. As though the thought shocks even her, she bent her silver head as the golden warmth of her laughter filled her living room."All I can say is, 'thank you, Master … thank you, thank you, thank you," Lee said.

And then, almost as an afterthought, "But I'm enjoying it. I really am. And I just hope the other seniors who've reached this milestone will understand that we've got something to show the youngsters."And Ms. Lee knows how to leave behind a legacy of advocacy. The North Texas icon is best known for helping make Juneteenth a federal holiday.In honor of her birthday, the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth is hosting events, including a conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama that will commemorate her legacy of civil rights advocacy, education and nonprofit work.Powerful words to live by CBS News