Opal's Walk for Freedom - Washington DC | Washington, DC, United States

About the Event

A 2.5‑mile walk. A celebration of Juneteenth. Honoring Ms. Opal Lee — the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" who walked from Texas to Washington, D.C. to advocate for making Juneteenth a national holiday. Opal's Walk for Freedom returns to Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 19, 2026, starting at East Washington Heights Baptist Church (Branch Avenue SE) and finishing at Randle Circle Park. Joy, learning, music, culture, and a renewed commitment to unity. Free for youth 18 and under.

Opal's Walk for Freedom
2.5‑mile walk • June 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM • Start at East Washington Heights Baptist Church • Finish at Randle Circle Park

The Walk:

Starts at East Washington Heights Baptist Church, 2220 Branch Ave SE, Washington, DC 20020
Finishes at Randle Circle Park (intersection of Branch Ave SE and Massachusetts Ave SE)
2.5 miles through Southeast Washington, D.C. neighborhoods
Paved sidewalks and pathways — accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers of all abilities
Community event with music, cultural activities, and educational moments about Juneteenth

Honoring Opal Lee:

Ms. Opal Lee (born 1926) is a former teacher, activist, and advocate for making Juneteenth a federal holiday
In 2016, at age 89, she walked from her home in Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. — a 1,400‑mile journey — to raise awareness
Her efforts contributed to Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday on June 17, 2021
This walk continues her legacy of freedom, unity, and community action

What's Included (Adult Registration):

In‑person walk entry
Event t‑shirt
Access to post‑walk festivities at Randle Circle Park

Youth Registration (18 & under):

FREE entry (includes walk participation)
T‑shirt available for purchase separately

Schedule:

Friday, June 19, 2026
10:00 AM — Walk begins
Post‑walk celebration at Randle Circle Park (time TBD)

Logistics:

Parking available at East Washington Heights Baptist Church and surrounding streets (arrive early — limited spaces)
Public transport: Metro to Congress Heights station (Green Line), then walk or bus to start
Bib pickup: race morning at the church starting at 8:30 AM (check event website for exact times)
No refunds unless Refund Protection Program was purchased. Race management may cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions. No refunds for "Acts of God."

Charity Partner:

Unity Unlimited, Inc. — fundraising goal $24,996 (0% raised as of posting)
Proceeds support community unity initiatives and Juneteenth awareness programs

Races Offered

Opal's Walk for Freedom - Washington DC (ADULT)

Jun 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 2mi

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

sell

$39.58

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Washington.

thermostat Temperature

18.1° / 29.6°

wb_sunny Feels like

18.3° / 29.5°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 26m

water_drop Avg rainfall

4.2 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

9.3 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

Very High (8.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

66.5%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:43

nightlight Sunset

20:34

About Washington

Learn more about the host city, Washington.

Washington, D.C., officially the District of Columbia and commonly known as simply Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River across from Virginia and shares land borders with Maryland to its north and east. It was named after George Washington, a Founding Father and the first president of the United States. The district is named for Columbia, the female personification of the nation, through which human form and attributes are applied to the United States.