Written By: JR Robinson

This year, Memphis kicks off its Juneteenth celebrations with a landmark event that promises to inspire, educate, and unite the community: the Memphis Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon on Thursday, June 12th, 2025, at 11:30 AM. Held in the elegant Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, this luncheon marks the official start of the city’s Juneteenth festivities under the theme “Continuing The Path from Slavery to Freedom as A CommUNITY.” Attendees will experience an afternoon filled with joyful music, an uplifting atmosphere, and enlightening conversations designed to connect the rich history of Juneteenth with the present and future of African American progress. Beyond celebration, this event offers a prime opportunity for networking among community leaders, activists, professionals, and citizens committed to fostering unity and empowerment.

At the heart of this event is the distinguished journalist and commentator Roland S. Martin, whose career embodies the spirit of truth, advocacy, and excellence. Martin’s journey in journalism spans over three decades, during which he has interviewed multiple U.S. presidents, top athletes, and Hollywood icons, always with a clear commitment to elevating African American voices and perspectives. He is the host and managing editor of #RolandMartinUnfiltered, the first daily online show dedicated to news and analysis from an explicitly African American viewpoint, and CEO of the Black Star Network, an OTT platform featuring diverse news and cultural programming. His influence extends across media platforms—from radio to television to digital—where he has earned over 40 awards for journalistic excellence, including four NAACP Image Awards and the prestigious Journalist of the Year honor from the National Association of Black Journalists in 2013. Martin’s fearless commentary on voter suppression, racial justice, and political issues has made him a trusted voice nationally and internationally, recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the 150 Most Influential African Americans and named by Jet Magazine readers as the “King of the Hill” on issues affecting the Black community.

Martin’s career began humbly in Texas, where he graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in journalism before cutting his teeth covering local government and major national events such as the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco and the Oklahoma City bombing. Over the years, he has held leadership roles at historic Black newspapers like the Chicago Defender and Dallas Weekly, pioneered digital media innovations including launching the first Black news source podcast, and contributed to major networks such as CNN and TV One. His work is characterized by a rare blend of integrity, insight, and passion, making him a sought-after speaker and commentator on issues that matter most to African Americans and the nation at large.

The Memphis Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon is more than just a gathering—it is a celebration of the resilience, achievements, and ongoing journey of African Americans from slavery to freedom. As the kick-off event for Memphis’s Juneteenth Festival, it sets the tone for a season of remembrance, education, and empowerment. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with Martin’s powerful narrative and join in conversations that inspire community action and solidarity. The luncheon also serves as an excellent networking platform, bringing together civic leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and activists dedicated to building a stronger, more unified Memphis.

Tickets for this landmark event are $125 per person, with tables of 10 available for $1,000. To secure your place at this historic celebration, visit www.901tix.com or call 901-281-6337 for table reservations and sponsorship opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an event that honors the past, celebrates the present, and builds the future—join Roland S. Martin and the Memphis community in commemorating Juneteenth with purpose, pride, and unity.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Holiday Inn University of Memphis, Hotel Grand Ballroom, 3700 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN
Tickets: $125 per person | $1,000 for a table of 10
Purchase Tickets: www.901tix.com
Contact for Tables/Sponsorship: 901-281-6337

Celebrate freedom. Celebrate unity. Celebrate Juneteenth with Roland S. Martin in Memphis.