{"product_id":"first-freedom-the-story-of-opal-lee-and-juneteenth-9781549307911","title":"First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe incredible journey of activist Opal Lee--known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth--is brought to life in this biographical graphic novel that not only explores Opal's remarkable path, but the history of the holiday of Juneteenth itself.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eFrom the 1860s to Ms. Opal's childhood home, from her years as a teacher to the White House, \u003ci\u003eFirst Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth\u003c\/i\u003e seeks to give readers an insight into the history behind one of the central figures in the creation of America's newest federal holiday, Juneteenth. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Ms. Opal's life personifies the fight for everyday freedom that leads to lasting change. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, \"There is so much more to do.\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Written by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché (\u003ci\u003eMy Super Hero is Black\u003c\/i\u003e) and drawn by a trio of talented artists--including Alvin Epps (\u003ci\u003eI Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel)\u003c\/i\u003e, Bex Glendining (the upcoming \u003ci\u003eIndigo Port\u003c\/i\u003e), and rising star Millicent Monroe--\u003ci\u003eThe First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth\u003c\/i\u003e promises to illuminate the life of a singular woman and the history of a momentous holiday, with additional back matter providing more insights into Juneteenth's history and the making of this graphic novel tribute.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Angélique Roché\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Oni Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 02\/10\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 208\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.28lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.25h x 6.38w x 0.77d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781549307911\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e 02\/01\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA. Angélique Roché, Esq. LL.M.\u003c\/b\u003e is a journalist, producer, author, and professional host from New Orleans, Louisiana. A multi-hyphenate storyteller, her work sits at the crossroads of history, current events, and its impact on pop culture. She has been seen\/heard on various outlets and platforms, including Harper's Bazaar, NBC News, NBCBLK, MSNBC, AMC\/BBC, SyfyWire, Disney, Marvel Studios, ESPN, and Paramount+. Angelique has hosted and produced multiple non-scripted series, including \u003ci\u003eBrave New Pod\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eGeeksplain\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eRoles Ranked\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSyFy Wire Rewind\u003c\/i\u003e, and New York Public Radio's (WNYC) \u003ci\u003eVery Biggest Questions\u003c\/i\u003e. Her first graphic novel, \u003ci\u003eTrinity City\u003c\/i\u003e #1, debuted in 2023. She is the co-author of Marvel Entertainment and Simon \u0026amp; Schuster Gallery Books' \u003ci\u003eMy Super Hero is Black\u003c\/i\u003e (2025). \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eBex Glendining \u003c\/b\u003eis a biracial queer, UK based illustrator, comic artist and colourist. Their debut graphic novel \u003ci\u003eIndigo Port\u003c\/i\u003e is scheduled for a 2025 release with Abrams Books. When not working they can usually be found building miniature rooms, playing video games with friends or fussing Cookie, their very spoiled tortoiseshell cat.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"booksdeli.com","offers":[{"title":"Ang\u0026#195;\u0026#169;lique Roch\u0026#195;\u0026#169; \/ Hardcover \/ English","offer_id":47659111579805,"sku":"9781549307911","price":47.34,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5648\/9373\/files\/img_a7ac1c0e-126d-4cd4-8018-4f50cda7e3d3.jpg?v=1771350410","url":"https:\/\/booksdeli.com\/products\/first-freedom-the-story-of-opal-lee-and-juneteenth-9781549307911","provider":"booksdeli.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}