Empowered Women Empower Women
/By Phoebe Warren
“I don’t know if I’ve gotten over the fact that each one of us needs to be responsible for making our country the country it needs to be. We can’t leave it to the government and to other people to do it. Make ourselves a committee of one to address the things that are happening that we know can be erased.”
Opal Lee is commonly known as the grandmother of Juneteenth. In 2016, at 89 years old, she launched a walking campaign from her home in Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to emphasize the importance of this significant day. On June 17th, 2021, President Joe Biden officially signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Her extraordinary contributions to social justice continue to inspire many, including Texarkana’s own Jo Ann Rice.
photo by shane darby.
Jo Ann, who was born in the same Tarrant County hospital as Opal Lee, is motivated by the activist’s remarkable life, which demonstrates to her that age does not hinder one’s capacity to create change. “I am inspired by individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and influence to uplift others,” Jo Ann said. “My motivation stems from those who lead with integrity, purpose, and a commitment to affecting positive change.”
Jo Ann Rice’s family moved to Texarkana when she was just 2 years old. She graduated from Dunbar High School, earned her associate’s degree from Texarkana College, and later obtained both a bachelor of science and a master of science from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University–Texarkana. Jo Ann has been lending her strength and energy to the Texarkana community her entire adult life.
Jo Ann with Opal Lee, who was a guest speaker at this year’s annual Tribute to African American Women in Texarkana. submitted photo.
“Anyone who claims there is nothing to do here isn’t engaged in the community,” she said. “With over 100 nonprofit organizations, there is always a way to give back, get involved, and meet incredible people.”
Jo Ann actively participates in numerous local organizations in order to “support education, civic engagement, and community development,” she said. She is a dedicated member of the Bowie County Appraisal District Board, Las Amigas Club, the Greater Texarkana Chapter of the NAACP, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the Northeast Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, the Texarkana Civil Service Commission, the Texarkana ISD Education Foundation, the Texarkana Pan Hellenic Council, the Wilbur Smith Rotary Club, the Zeta National Education Foundation, and the Gamma Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta. Despite her busy schedule, Jo Ann also makes time to sing in the church choir and serve on the board at Hamilton Memorial AME Church.
Recently, Jo Ann received recognition from Jarvis Christian University. For seven years, the Jarvis Christian University Texarkana Alumni Association has organized an annual Community Award Celebration to acknowledge individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community. “I was honored to be one of the recipients of the award at the 2025 celebration, which was held on April 19th at the Liberty-Eylau High School Media Center,” Jo Ann said. “The event’s theme, A Celebration of Legacy, highlighted the impact of service, leadership, and commitment to education and community advancement.”
Jo Ann and her daughter, Josette Rice, watching the solar eclipse downtown. submitted photo.
Jo Ann stands as a cornerstone of her community, actively engaging in various organizations that enable her to contribute to the place where she grew up. “My faith, family, and love for education fuel my commitment to service and advocacy for impactful change,” she expressed. Jo Ann Rice upholds a tradition of leadership and dedication to progress in Texarkana, undoubtedly motivating a new wave of empowered women, much like Opal Lee inspires Jo Ann herself.