Oni Press to publish First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth in 2026

Oni Press is launching a First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth graphic novel in February 2026.

The biographical graphic novel charts the journey of Dr. Opal Lee – known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth – to bring recognition of American Emancipation from local advocacy to state capitols all the way to the White House.

It comes from journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché, as well artists including Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining and Millicent Monroe. Each artist chronicles a different interlocking chapter in Dr. Lee’s life.

“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,” said author Angélique Roché.

“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 Dr. Opal Lee fills those gaps, highlighting everyday struggles and the critical moments between emancipation – that first freedom – and the hard-fought freedoms won since. From a farm in Texarkana, Arkansas, to the White House, Ms. Opal’s life represents not just the power of one person but the collective strength of our movements.”

Polarity CEO David Steward II added: “We’re honoured to bring Opal Lee’s extraordinary story to life for a new generation through the creative vision of Angélique Roché, Alvin Epps, Bex Glendining.

“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.”