In the News

Juneteenth Walk for Freedom at FCI Fort Dix: Inspired by Opal Lee’s Legacy

In celebration of Juneteenth 2025, more than fifty adults in custody at FCI Fort Dix Camp participated in a 2.5-mile walk, inspired by the remarkable legacy of Opal Lee—the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” The event was part of the institution’s “Fitness for Freedom Week,” a health and wellness initiative encouraging physical activity and education for incarcerated individuals.

FCI Fort Dix, one of the largest federal correctional institutions in the United States, has actively embraced Opal Lee’s message by organizing its own annual “Walk for Freedom.” This initiative invites adults in custody to participate in physical activation events that promote both fitness and reflection on historical milestones.

The walk at Fort Dix echoed Opal Lee’s symbolic 2.5-mile walks across the country. For years, Lee walked 2.5 miles annually to represent the 2.5 years it took after the Emancipation Proclamation for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, to learn they were free—an injustice finally recognized when Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. Her tireless lobbying efforts, community engagement, and unwavering spirit were instrumental in securing national recognition of Juneteenth.

At FCI Fort Dix, the Health Risk Men’s Group accepted the challenge to participate in the walk. The institution’s Recreation Department marked a path along the prison roadside with care markers, symbolizing the “Walk for Freedom.” For many of the men, the experience was deeply meaningful—both as a moment of historical reflection and as a liberating, empowering event.

Warden Rachel Thompson, a former Recreation Supervisor, encouraged the Recreation Supervisor Hartenstine and Recreation Specialist R. Hubbell to start the "Get Healthy" program by launching lectures on obesity, diabetes, and overall wellness. Her leadership led to increased engagement among adults in custody and correctional staff. She also organized games and wellness activities that further strengthened the community.

Under the First Step Act, Fort Dix has enrolled over 200 men in Recreation and Leisure courses, which include wellness, fitness, and educational programs that reduce sentence time and foster rehabilitation.

Along with the annual Juneteenth walk, Fort Dix Camp slated as "Camp Re-Build" because of Warden Thompson's efforts has committed to continuing its calendar of health and fitness activities—promoting healing, awareness, and unity among participants.

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced the end of slavery—more than two years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Opal Lee, a retired teacher and activist from Fort Worth, Texas, began walking 2.5 miles each year to raise awareness of this delay and the need for recognition. Her campaign to make Juneteenth a federal holiday gained national attention and finally succeeded in June 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

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Richard Victor Mahee, professionally known as Mahvrick, is a Global Wellness Entrepreneur and ISSA Elite Certified Trainer who has transformed personal adversity into purpose-driven leadership. He is the creator of the Fundamentals of CORE, a health and fitness program launched under President Trump’s 2018 First Step Act educational initiatives.

Richard developed and delivered CORE as a Productive Activity Course to over 50 adults in custody. Participants voluntarily enrolled as AT-RISK, FIT, or Advanced FIT, meeting key prerequisites including BMI, blood sugar, and blood pressure screenings. The course focused on measurable health outcomes and included credit-bearing participation in recreation and leisure activities.

Before becoming certified in Fitness Training, Nutrition, and Yoga through ISSA, Richard lost over 120 pounds, reversed his Type 2 Diabetes (A1C 14.6 to normal), and achieved a healthy body mass index—an inspiring transformation that became the foundation of his work.

At FCI Fort Dix Camp, he launched the “Get Healthy” initiative, a structured fitness and wellness program designed specifically for at-health-risk incarcerated men. More than 150 participants took part in courses, challenges, and events. He also organized the institution’s First Annual Fitness for Freedom Week and a Juneteenth 2.5-Mile Walk/Run, promoting wellness, education, and unity.

Richard has extended his mission beyond incarceration through the development of Life Science Wellness Programs, in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania-affiliated physicians and nurse practitioners. These programs integrate exercise science, nutrition, spa therapy, and diabetes/obesity management—and have reached over 25,000 patients.

Richard Victor Mahee served as an Associate Producer on the television series Knock Out, which featured boxing legends Roy Jones Jr., Sugar Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Sr., and Hector "Macho" Camacho Jr. In addition to his work in television, Richard played a key role in marketing for world-renowned boxing promoter Don King, contributing to the promotion of high-profile championship events.

He is currently studying for an Advanced Paralegal Certification Program, equipping him to assist legal professionals and incarcerated individuals in navigating First Step Act and leisure-based educational processes.