The Holiday Inn, University of Memphis campus, will soon close. But on Thursday, June 12, the proverbial “doors of the church” were definitely open there during the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon.
As guests proceeded down the red, green and black festive, balloon-adorned hallway from the elevator to the ballroom entrances, uplifting and empowering statements from powerful leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Harriet Tubman, were there to greet them, like the elders welcoming you to the family reunion.
The lobby and grand ballroom were kinetic with community leaders — religious, music, business, city and county, education, political hopefuls — present and accounted for. As Sam Cooke ushered us into the program with “A Change is Gonna Come,” Dr. Telisa Franklin took to the stage for opening remarks and the introduction of the master of ceremonies, Dr. Kevin Andre Brooks.
The opening prayer, led by another Memphis pastor, Dr. Darell Harrington, set the stage for the keynote.
“Thank you for this day of celebration, of liberation.
We’ve come treading the path of the slaughtered.
Thank you for our heroes and sheroes.
Allow us to be the change in the world that we would like to see.
Be the agents of change and redemption.”
After his prayer came customary acknowledgements of elected officials, entertainment and exchanges of hugs and pleasantries before attendees sat to share a meal.
Then it was time for the main event, and the gloves came off.
Decorated journalist, commentator, host and owner of the Black Star Network, Roland Martin, came with a hard-hitting message for the people of Memphis.
Martin started by sharing an anecdote of how a simple text he sent to six or seven people yielded a live, online audience of 200,000 for his “State of OUR Union” program featuring Bishop William Barber II, making Martin’s online show, #RolandMartinUnfiltered, No. 5 of all media outlets the evening of President Trump’s State of the Union Address.
He then clarified that he wasn’t sharing the story to brag but to illustrate a point.
“Once you show you can do it, it means there’s no excuse it can’t be done again,” said Martin. “It also shows us what happens when Black people move collectively. Too many of us are making excuses as to why certain things cannot happen.”
During his lunch, he asked his tablemates what the largest Black-owned business in Memphis is. No one knew the answer. He found this to be problematic.
“I’m not interested in the same old stories, another city with a Black mayor — but what are you doing while you’re there?” said Martin.
He titled his keynote “I’m Not Satisfied.” For the next 20 minutes he went on to share reasons why he wasn’t satisfied with what is happening in Memphis and to call for Memphians to do more.
“Juneteenth is a day the nation has to utter the word slavery. … It’s a day of complete freedom — to vote, to live, to have jobs, to own businesses, to walk in stores and not be followed, to not have your women raped, to have your children be educated. This has to be the mindset of every person here,” said Martin.
“If you’re celebrating here, you have to be asking yourself ‘What is it we are doing to gain our freedom in Memphis?’” he said.
A great storyteller, he shared more anecdotes and examples about cities (Atlanta, D.C., Chicago, etc.) in America with Black mayors. Then, he asked questions.
“I’m confused. How can this be the place where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, where he talked about economic freedom?” he asked. “How are you a city that’s 62% Black and you’re in the condition you’re in?”
“How can Black leaders let the economic apartheid continue?”
“There is no way in the world that you are 62% Black and your contract don’t reach 62%.”
“There are Black people in positions, they’re present but they have no presence.”
“When you walk into the room, do folks get uncomfortable? If folks don’t get uncomfortable, you are simply present.”
These statements made some folks noticeably uncomfortable.
Martin continued, “At some point, we have to be unsatisfied. I know there are some folks in the room who say we’re doing a lot. I can’t accept that. I need to see the fruits of your labor. I can’t see why y’all aren’t having a daily march against Elon Musks’ xAI center. I’m confused.”
It was quiet. Ouch. He continued:
“Why when people talk about great black cities, is Memphis never mentioned?
“This is America. If you’re not having money conversations, you’re not having a conversation. Politics and money go together. Dr. King understood that. Why is it that this generation of folks are so soft and unwilling to challenge folks?
“We must challenge school leaders, county leaders, city leaders, Alphas, Deltas, Links, Eastern Stars, pastors. If you came here to check off ‘I went to a Negro event,’ that’s great, but if you come back next year and nothing has changed, you wasted your time.
“If you are a Black leader, look like a Black leader, walk like a Black leader, talk like a Black leader, say ‘We are not satisfied!’… Fight, challenge, push, prod, we’ll fight ‘til hell freezes over, we will fight on the ice.”
The crowd needed a moment to take it all in before the Five Pillar Awards were given to the honorees, but the show had to go on.
The Cultural Heritage and Celebration award was given to Dr. David and Mrs. Yvonne Acey.
The Activism and Advocacy award was given to Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell Jr. for advocating for policies that uplift our youth.
The Educated and Awareness award was given to Shelby County School Board Member Sable Otey for her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities.
The Community Engagement award was given to Pastor Melvin Watkins Jr. of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood.
The Leadership and Inspiration award was given to Sarah Carpenter, executive director of Memphis Lyft.
A special Pillar of Freedom Lifetime Supporter Award was given posthumously to Ricky Floyd Sr.
Then the Annual Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon was over until next year, but Martin’s “We are not satisfied!” seemed to echo in the room.
