Unity Unlimited, Inc. Opens Registration for the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Contact: Daria Hookfin
daria@hookenterprises.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unity Unlimited, Inc. Opens Registration for the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom
MLK Day Launch Invites the Nation—and the World—to Walk Together for Justice and Freedom Fort Worth, Texas — January 19, 2026 — On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as the nation reflects on justice, civil rights, and the long pursuit of freedom, Unity Unlimited, Inc. announces the official opening of registration for the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom, taking place on June 19, 2026 (Juneteenth) with simultaneous in-person walks across the United States and a virtual walk open worldwide.
Founded by the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Dr. Opal Lee, Opal’s Walk for Freedom builds on the historic walking campaign that helped lead to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021. The 2026 Walk advances that legacy through the 50 States Initiative, a long-term commitment to ensure that by 2030, every state has at least one branded Opal’s Walk for Freedom.
Participants, whether walking in an official host city or virtually from anywhere in the world, will walk 2.5 miles to symbolize the two-and-a-half years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the moment when freedom was enforced in Texas.
The walk serves as a powerful reminder that freedom in America has often arrived unevenly—and that justice requires collective action to move it forward. “When I began walking, it was to remind people that freedom was delayed—but never denied,” said Dr. Opal Lee. “Today, I invite people everywhere to walk with purpose, to honor our history, and to keep moving toward a more just future.”
Confirmed Host Cities for 2026 Unity Unlimited, Inc. previously announced the official host cities for the 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom. These locations will serve as the designated in-person walks for this year’s national observance:
● Fort Worth, TX*
● Washington, DC*
● Cincinnati, OH
● Los Angeles, CA
● Birmingham, AL
● Honolulu, HI
● Evanston, IL
● Detroit, MI
● Grants Pass, OR
● St. Paul, MN
*Flagship locations hosting major regional events
While no additional host cities will be added for 2026, community nominations for future years are being accepted through the registration platform as part of the ongoing 50 States Initiative. Walk Anywhere: Virtual Participation For those unable to attend an in-person walk—or who wish to participate from outside the United States—Opal’s Walk for Freedom offers a virtual walk option, allowing individuals, families, schools, faith groups, and organizations around the world to walk wherever they are on Juneteenth and join the national day of action. National and Local Partners The 2026 National Opal’s Walk for Freedom is powered by committed national and local partners working together to deliver meaningful, community-centered events. Confirmed partners include:
● Jark 1 Entertainment
● Start 2 Finish Event Management
● Detroit Choice Events (Detroit, MI)
● House of Kadence (Detroit, MI)
● Juneteenth Present and Future (Evanston, IL)
● National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Cincinnati, OH)
● Southern Oregon Black Affinity Group (Grants Pass, OR)
● RITT – Refuge in Troubled Times (Birmingham, AL)
● Together Strengthening Our Community Seniors (Honolulu, HI)
● San Fernando Valley Juneteenth (Pacoima, CA)
Unity Unlimited, Inc. continues to welcome sponsors, volunteers, and organizational partners who wish to support this national movement and help carry its message of unity and education forward.
“Opal’s Walk for Freedom is more than a single day or a single city,” said Dione Sims, Founder and CEO of Unity Unlimited, Inc. “It’s a shared act of remembrance and responsibility.
When people walk together—across states and across borders—we affirm that freedom is worth the effort it takes to protect and expand it.”
How to Participate
● Walk on June 19, 2026, in an official host city or virtually from anywhere
● Register today: https://www.opalswalk.com
● Share your walk using #OpalsWalkForFreedom and #50StatesForFreedom
About Unity Unlimited, Inc.
Unity Unlimited, Inc. is a non-profit organization that helps communities overcome racial, cultural, and economic division. The programs they produce support their mission of human dignity through education, resources, and opportunities, including initiatives such as Juneteenth Strong, a month-long event series celebrating freedom with their brand ambassador, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee.
