First-ever Juneteenth celebration hosted in Martin

June 19, 2025

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

MARTIN, Tenn. — One community celebrates a national holiday for the first time.

Martin kicked off their first ever Juneteenth Celebration early this evening. Originally the event was in Union City, however, for this year, they wanted to celebrate closer to home.

“This is the first time it’s in Martin, Tennessee. We typically have teamed up with Discovery Park of America. We wanted to kind of bring it to Weakley County because WCRP does stand for Weakley County Reconciliation Project,” said Keyarra Williams, event coordinator.

June 19 marks 160 years since enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were informed they were free from slavery. Their keynote speaker shared some history about the holiday.

“Just giving a little history about Juneteenth; how it’s important and how far we have come. Just here to elevate and educate and just let everybody know that it’s important that we celebrate us and never forget where we come from,” said Dr. Daffany Baker, keynote speaker.

She wants attendees to take home some important information from her speech.

“So I want everybody to know if you can be a resource to and just help somebody, do that and the world will be a better place,” said Dr. Baker.

Aside from a keynote speaker there was live entertainment, spoken word and more.

“We have things for the kids, we have food vendors–supporting black businesses. So the point is to basically just promote culture, inclusion and education. So everybody’s welcome,” said Williams.

DJ Von was on the one’s and two’s bringing attendees to their feet.

“I am taking it all the way back and bringing it all the way to current times all of the cultural feelings and essence of our music,” said DJ Von.

This event was more than just learning and uniting, it was also about celebrating black culture.

“It’s so exciting! It’s always good to see us come together to celebrate good times and to just rejoice to celebrate and eat together, you know the vendors and just show everybody love that’s what it’s all about showing love,” said Dr. Baker.