A True Gem
Thanks for a great article about a great lady, Opal Lee [Giant Footsteps, June 2026]. Juneteenth freed all of us. We celebrated 250 years July 4, and she has lived through nearly 40% of American history.
Lawrence Ragan, Pedernales EC | Dripping Springs
Your June issue was the best ever. Opal Lee is well named—she is a true gem. What a difference one person can make.
I also loved the article by John Millard on the Julian Onderdonk painting [J.O. Was Here]. What a coincidence that the author happened to see a photo of the painting the same day he had walked in that exact spot.
Diane Lyerly, Pedernales EC | Austin
I am a 79-year-old white woman. I grew up in the Jim Crow era and have memories of how Black folks were treated.
We must never forget Opal Lee.
Jean Bryant, Deep East Texas EC | San Augustine
What an amazing and inspiring life Ms. Lee has lived. Helps us realize you can never do enough to make our world a better place.
Anita Patel, South Plains EC | Lubbock
Chris Wormell
Road Well Traveled
The route described in Go the Other Way [June 2026] is not just scenic. Travelers on this route are on a portion of the La Bahía Road, which connected Spanish missions in Goliad and East Texas.
The route was also driven by me many times in an oil-field summer job back in the early ’80s.
James Barrow, Karnes EC | Hindes
Less Mess, Please
My partner and I took road trips last year across 15 states. It was quickly apparent to us how tidy the highways and roads were elsewhere [A Tidy Revolution, March 2026].
Texas should be making a far stronger effort to endorse our Don’t Mess With Texas campaign and walk our talk.
Shelley Meyer, Pedernales EC | Canyon Lake
