As part of Black History Month, Oni Press is releasing a new biographical graphic novel called First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth. This book dramatizes the life and work of Dr. Opal Lee and reveals how the national holiday Juneteenth got its start.
IGN can exclusively debut a new preview of First Freedom. Check it out in the slideshow gallery below:
First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is written by Angélique Roché, with art by Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (On Starlit Shores), and Millicent Monroe, colors by Damali Beatty, and letters by Alexis Bennett with Andworld Design.
“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,” Roché writes in the book’s preface. “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.”
First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth is available in hardcover and softcover formats now. You can order the book on Amazon.
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