PRESS RELEASE
On February 3, 2026, Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, will release First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth, the first-ever graphic novel dedicated to the history and origin of the Juneteenth holiday.
This timely and topical 208-page biography chronicles the inspirational journey and resilient determination of Dr. Opal Lee — known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth — who spent decades in pursuit of one singular cause: to officially recognize American emancipation with its own national holiday. Ahead of its publication during Black History Month in February 2026, Oni Press is unveiling the very first preview of this historic and eagerly anticipated publication by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché (My Super Hero is Black), artists Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (On Starlit Shores), and rising star Millicent Monroe, and colorist Damali Beatty with lettering by Alexis Bennett with Andworld Design.
First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth was created with the support and involvement of both Dr. Lee and her granddaughter, Mrs. Dione Sims, and is brought to life by three distinguished artists. Writer Angélique Roché conducted in-person interviews with Dr. Lee and immersed herself in extensive research for the book. The ambitious biography, which includes back matter that provides more insights into Juneteenth’s history and the making of the graphic novel, will be released 46 years after Juneteenth was first recognized as a statewide holiday by the state of Texas and five years since it was finally recognized as a national federal holiday. The book will also be published as part of a yearlong celebration of Opal Lee’s 100th year on Earth.
“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.”
Born on October 7, 1926, in Marshall, Texas, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Dr. Lee has been a community activist all her life, and she would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people.I n June 2021the then-94-year-old Dr. Lee sat in the front row as an honored guest at the White House as President Joe Biden signed the bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Dr. Opal’s life personifies the fight for everyday freedoms that leads to lasting change – and as the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, “There is so much more to do.”
Angélique Roché writes in the book’s preface that, “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.”
“First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is a testament to the truly inspirational courage of Dr. Opal Lee,” said Oni Press Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn. “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.”
Discover the life of an extraordinary woman’s path through contemporary American history and the rarely told true story of the Juneteenth holiday itself in First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth – coming in February 2026 from Oni Press.
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: 2/3/2026
