Private Project

The Last To Know

Join 89-year-old retired educator and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Opal Lee (oft referred to as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth"), as she begins a years-long campaign to make her vision of Juneteenth becoming a federally-recognized holiday a reality.

  • Erica Stevenson
    Director
  • Erica Stevenson
    Writer
  • Darren Steptoe
    Writer
  • Erica Stevenson
    Producer
  • Darren Steptoe
    Producer
  • Opal Roland Lee
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Darren Steptoe
    Editor
  • Dwayne Stevenson
    Editor
  • Darryl Gibson
    Director of Photography
  • Dione Sims
    Production Consultant
  • Patricia Ricketts
    Voiceover Talent
  • Opal Roland Lee
    Very Special Thanks
  • Dione Sims
    Very Special Thanks
  • Patrick Bresnan
    Very Special Thanks
  • Ivete Lucas
    Very Special Thanks
  • Daniel Carranza
    Very Special Thanks
  • Krystal Brown
    Very Special Thanks
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 32 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 18, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • The Black Film Summit
    Naperville, Illinois
    United States
    March 19, 2022
    Illinois Premiere
    Audience Award for Best Documentary
  • Oregon Documentary Film Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    April 23, 2022
    Oregon Premiere
    Best Editing Award Finalist
  • The African Film Festival
    Dallas, Texas
    United States
    June 1, 2022
    Texas Premiere
    Founder's Best Story Award
  • San Francisco Black Film Festival
    San Francisco
    United States
    June 17, 2022
    California Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Filmteenth International Film Festival
    Bethesda, Maryland
    United States
    June 19, 2022
    Maryland Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Indianapolis Black Documentary Film Festival
    Indianapolis, IN
    United States
    August 26, 2022
    Indiana Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Erica Stevenson

Erica Stevenson is the CEO of Phylonalds Agency which operates in Dallas, TX. Having pursued her education at Howard University and obtaining a BA in Advertising from The University of Texas at Arlington, Erica's journey into the world of filmmaking was spurred by her innate talent for discovering extraordinary individuals with compelling narratives. Her profound passion lies in leaving an indelible imprint on the entertainment industry by amplifying the voices of these unsung storytellers, ensuring their untold tales resonate with a wider audience.

Phylonalds Agency Productions produces relatable TV and online content centered around developing youth, celebrating diversity, and sharing real-life experiences. We believe that, at its core, the entertainment industry should reflect the lives of everyday viewers and provide entertainment that uplifts, inspires, and teaches.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

We're so happy to finally share this work with the world! Working alongside Dr. Lee and her family on this remarkable accomplishment was a true privilege. From the very beginning, we recognized the significance of capturing this historic moment on film, and our goal was to create a movie that truly embodied the essence of Opal's symbolic journey to Washington, D.C.

Initially, my intention was to produce a full-length documentary, but due to budget constraints, I decided to opt for something that was easily digestible and could be presented in a classroom format.

I hope this film not only introduces "Miss" Opal to a new audience but also makes people think about more steps that we can take to bridge our differences and come together as a country.