arts
Dr. Opal Lee lends voice to landmark study focused on Black women's health
By Brittney Johnson at NBC DFW
· June 18, 2026
· 4 min read
As North Texas prepares to celebrate Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee is championing a new cause. The Grandmother of Juneteenth helped lead the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Now, as she approaches her 100th birthday, the breast cancer survivor is using her voice to support a landmark resear
Key takeaway Now, as she approaches her 100th birthday, the breast cancer survivor is using her voice to support a landmark research effort aimed at improving health outcomes for Black women.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
Dr. Opal Lee's support for the American Cancer Society's Voices of Black Women study brings attention to a critical health issue in Fort Worth , where Black women face significant disparities in cancer outcomes. As the city prepares to celebrate Juneteenth, Lee's advocacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for health equity in the community. The study's findings, which show Black women are more likely to die from breast and uterine cancer, have significant implications for the city's healthcare system and the work of local organizations, such as the Tarrant County Public Health Department. Fort Worth's healthcare providers and community leaders must take note of these disparities and work to address them, ensuring that all women, regardless of race, have access to quality healthcare and cancer screenings. By supporting this study, Dr. Lee is helping to amplify the voices of Black women in Fort Worth and pushing for a healthier future for the community.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As North Texas prepares to celebrate Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee is championing a new cause. The Grandmother of Juneteenth helped lead the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. Now, as she approaches her 100th birthday, the breast cancer survivor is using her voice to support a landmark resear
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Brittney Johnson at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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