“Your Voice Matters”: Roland Martin Opens Charleston’s Juneteenth Celebration

By Black By God Staff | June 23, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston’s 2025 Juneteenth celebration kicked off with urgency and inspiration during an exceptional Fireside Chat featuring award-winning journalist and political commentator Roland S. Martin, host of Roland Martin Unfiltered. The event was held on Wednesday, June 19, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center’s Little Theater, and was organized by the Juneteenth Charleston WV Committee.

Serving as emcee and moderator, Juneteenth Charleston Committee Chair Ray Whiting set the tone for the evening. Whiting not only guided the conversation but also helped launch the city’s Juneteenth festivities with a meaningful dialogue that connected history, media, and community empowerment.

“This space — right here in the heart of Appalachia — is proof that powerful Black narratives are alive and breathing,” Martin told the crowd early on.

WELL-ATTENDED AND DEEPLY ENGAGED

The evening drew a large audience of Charleston residents, students, elders, and civic leaders, all eager to engage in an honest conversation about freedom, equity, and the future of Black storytelling in West Virginia.

Prior to the chat, a special reception hosted by the West Virginia African American Philanthropy Committee welcomed guests and community partners. The reception provided space for connection and collaboration among leaders committed to advancing Black excellence across the state.

The program featured reflections and powerful commentary from local and state leaders, including:

– Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin

– Retired Police Chief Ivin Lee

– Delegate Hollis Lewis

– Pastor David Fryson

– Reverend Matthew J. Watts

– Delegate Mike Pushkin

Their remarks laid the foundation for a night centered on reflection, justice, and collective responsibility.

“Juneteenth is not just a celebration,” said Rev. Watts. “It’s a recommitment to the work of freedom.”

MEDIA, MOVEMENT, AND MESSAGE

Martin focused his talk on the importance of Black-led media, community journalism, and civic accountability. He challenged the crowd to support institutions that reflect and serve their communities–not ones that exploit or ignore them.

“We don’t need validation from them,” Martin said. “We need ownership. We need institutions that we control.”

He also emphasized the role of local media (like Black By God ) in shifting narratives and filling the gaps left by traditional newsrooms.

“If you’re not telling your own story, someone else will — and they’ll get it wrong,” he added.

LOOKING FORWARD

Attendees left the event energized and inspired. One community elder described it as “one of the most relevant conversations we’ve had in years.” A local college student noted, “I’ve never felt more seen, more encouraged to speak up.” Martin concluded the event with a powerful reminder: “This isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. Your voice matters. But more than that, your work matters.”

As part of the evening’s celebration of Black excellence, Black By God also distributed copies of our brand-new Mini BBG editions, featuring the Black Appalachian Business Directory, which connects attendees with local Black-owned businesses across the region.