More than 400 people marched 2.5 miles along Evanston's lakefront Friday, June 19, honoring the legacy of 99-year-old activist Opal Lee in one of seven "Opal's Walk for Freedom" events held nationwide.

The march kicked off around 10:30 a.m. at Arrington Lagoon in Dawes Park, following the path north toward Northwestern University before looping back to Lee Street Beach. Dione Sims, Lee's granddaughter, led the walk alongside Kemone Hendricks, the event's primary organizer. Evanston Township High School's cheer team and band performed as the procession moved along the route.

The 2.5-mile distance carries specific meaning: it represents the two and a half years between the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free on June 19, 1865.

"July fourth freed the land, but Juneteenth freed the people," Sims told the crowd.

She also noted Evanston's particular connection to the holiday, pointing to the city's 2021 reparations program, widely considered the first of its kind launched by a U.S. municipality.

Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita attended with her family. Carolyn J. Ruff, founder of Black Lives Matter Women of Faith and a born-and-raised Evanston resident, waved a Pan-African flag throughout the day. Mayor Daniel Biss posted on X that the city "came together in a beautiful way this Juneteenth."

This was the first year in the event's seven-year history that organizers held it at Dawes Park rather than as a parade through city streets. Amanda D'Agostino, special events coordinator for the Evanston Parks & Recreation Department, said the change came down to policing costs and holiday scheduling.

The post-walk celebration at Arrington Lagoon featured live music by GreenTTea & the Tempos and NAJWA Dance Corps, food from Hecky's BBQ and Candlelite Pizza, face-painting, cornhole, and an Opal Lee Barbie giveaway. Vendor Mary Toussaint set up a jewelry and clothing stand nearby.

The event was presented by Evanston Present and Future in partnership with the City of Evanston, Mari Enterprise, and Unity Unlimited.

Sims told the crowd her grandmother, who turns 100 in October, wanted them to know she's passing the baton: "It's up to you to make sure freedom does not die."