Journalist and media entrepreneur Roland Martin returned to Memphis for the 33rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon with a message that was both a celebration of Black resilience and a challenge to the city he visited a year ago: Accountability matters.
Speaking before a packed audience Friday, June 12, at the Dwelling Place on Old Austin Peay Highway, Martin urged civic leaders, organizations and residents to use Juneteenth not only as a commemoration of freedom but as a yearly measure of progress.
“You should be using this event as sort of an annual report for how have things changed in the previous 364 days,” Martin said.
The luncheon, organized by Memphis Juneteenth, opened with remarks from founder and organizer Dr. Telisa Franklin, who welcomed Martin back to the city and praised his willingness to challenge audiences.
Franklin introduced Martin as “unapologetically Black,” a description reflected throughout a speech that frequently drew applause while challenging listeners to move beyond rhetoric.
“We are never going to move forward and advance if we are unwilling to accept accountability,” said Martin.
Martin acknowledged that comments he made during last year’s visit generated national attention and local criticism. Rather than retreating from those remarks centered on the city’s level of progress — or lack thereof — he doubled down on the importance of accountability.
Throughout his address, Martin repeatedly asked audiences to evaluate whether elected officials, advocacy groups and community organizations could demonstrate measurable results over the past year.
“If you are supposed to represent the economic interest of African Americans,” he said, “What exactly are you doing if you cannot account for work over the last 365 days.”
Using Baltimore as an example, Martin pointed to efforts led by Mayor Brandon Scott and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, arguing that investments addressing poverty, homelessness and other root causes can reduce crime more effectively than relying solely on traditional law enforcement approaches.
“The model to reducing crime is confronting the things that cause crime,” Martin said. “Crime is tied directly to economics.”
The speech also focused heavily on economic development and political power. Martin questioned why Memphis, a majority-Black city with a long history of Black political leadership, has not translated that influence into greater economic strength.
“When they talk about the New South, they never mention Memphis,” Martin said. “Memphis is never mentioned — only Atlanta.”
He challenged the audience to consider why so few people could identify the city’s largest Black-owned businesses and why Black political representation has not produced stronger economic outcomes for more residents.
“It is a legitimate question to ask how is it Black folks in Memphis are so broke,” he said.
Martin also warned that African Americans are facing coordinated attacks on political, economic and educational gains. He described current efforts targeting diversity initiatives, race-conscious programs and Black institutions as part of a broader struggle for equality.
“Stop referring to the civil rights movement, Jim Crow, sanitation workers, to realize that right now we’re sitting in the midst of Jim Crow 2.0,” Martin said.
Yet his address was not solely focused on criticism. Martin repeatedly returned to organization, civic participation and collective action as the path forward.
“Nobody tries this hard to keep you from voting if it doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
Calling for greater voter engagement, leadership development and coalition building, Martin urged attendees to reject defeatism and become active participants in shaping the future of their communities.
“Ain’t nobody coming to save you but you,” he said.
Near the conclusion of his remarks, Martin connected the significance of Juneteenth to Memphis’ own history, including the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike and the economic justice message of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“The Juneteenth celebrations in Texas were a yearly reminder of the quest for freedom,” Martin said. “A constant quest for freedom.”
In one of the speech’s most reflective moments, Martin asked audience members to consider the legacy they will leave for future generations.
“Thirty years from now when they have the 63rd Juneteenth luncheon, will they call your name?” he asked. Looking around the room, he challenged attendees to ask each other this question.
“You have to decide are you willing to really commit yourself to be the change agent to change the condition of your street, your block, your city, your neighborhood.”
The program also recognized several individuals whose work reflects that commitment through the presentation of the Juneteenth Pillar Awards.
Honorees included Dr. David L. Acey Sr., founder and executive director of Africa in April, who received the Pillar of Freedom Lifetime Supporter Award; broadcaster Pepper Baker, who was recognized for leadership and inspiration; civil rights investigator Kareem Ali, who received the Activism and Advocacy Award for his work on civil rights cases, including matters related to the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police officers; Rev. Dr. Jonathan Saulsberry, honored with the Cultural Heritage and Celebration Award; Hazel Moore, recognized with the Community Engagement Award; and Dr. Bobbie White, founder of Frayser Community Schools, who received the Education and Awareness Award.
Kennedy Nicole Henson was presented with the organization’s scholarship award.
Before Martin departed, LeMoyne-Owen College President Dr. Christopher Davis thanked him for elevating issues affecting Black communities and presented him with a custom pair of LeMoyne-Owen College tennis shoes.
