FRISCO, Texas — This week, some of country music’s top stars are gathering in North Texas for the Academy of Country Music Awards. The city of Frisco, just north of Dallas, is hosting the prestigious event, which will take place Thursday night.
Among those being recognized this year are two North Texans, including Fort Worth’s Opal Lee, widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Lee was honored for her efforts in social justice at the second annual “I’m Just Me: A Charley Pride Celebration of Inclusion” brunch.
The 98-year-old Lee, who was joined by her granddaughter at the event, said she was surprised by the recognition.
“I wondered if they made a mistake, because I’m just a little old lady in tennis shoes, getting in everybody’s business. I’m everybody’s grandma, and I didn’t know what they were making a fuss about. I hardly know how to sing,” Lee explained.
Mickey Guyton, a Grammy-nominated country artist who hosted the brunch, praised Lee’s impact.
“She is such an important person that she should be honored every year. There should be an Opal Lee award, because she is so significant to us and to the Black community,” Guyton said.
Despite their age difference, Guyton shares a few similarities with Lee. Both are from North Texas, and both were among the honorees at the brunch, along with other notable figures like Lionel Richie, Brittney Spencer, and Shaboozey.
The event was named in honor of Charley Pride, the late baseball player and the first Black artist to have a No. 1 country hit. Pride’s widow, Rozene Pride, expressed a desire for more recognition of her husband’s legacy.
“I would love to see him honored a little more because he was truly an icon. He loved country music, and he was the first Black person to break into country music,” Rozene said.
While Pride made history by overcoming racial barriers in the 1960s, his legacy continues through the work of those honored at the brunch. These individuals are being recognized for their contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion in country music.
“History is so important. And no matter who tries to erase it, it will always be here,” Guyton said. “I’m so grateful to the ACMs for making sure we continue to honor Black and brown people, regardless of the political climate. We will never be erased. While the world tries to do that, we are celebrating each other.”
The event took place ahead of Thursday night’s 60th annual ACM Awards.
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