Tuscaloosa County NAACP Reveals Grand Marshals For Juneteenth Parade

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Branch of the NAACP on Wednesday announced three grand marshals for its upcoming 2025 Juneteenth Parade.

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The parade is set for Saturday, June 14.

The dignitaries for this year's event are Tuscaloosa District 1 Councilor Joseph Eatmon, Tuscaloosa Municipal Court Judge Ricky McKinney and educator Virgie Greene.

The Tuscaloosa County Branch of the NAACP said these three leaders "represent the spirit of Juneteenth through their unwavering dedication to education, justice, business, and community empowerment."

Here's a look at the three grand marshals, along with biographical information provided by the NAACP:

Councilor Joseph Eatmon, Sr.

"A lifelong son of Tuscaloosa, Councilman Eatmon is a proud husband, father of three, and a dedicated public servant for District 1. He currently serves as Head Basketball Coach at Shelton State Community College and formerly as the college’s Dean of Community Relations. A graduate of Central High School and the University of West Alabama, Coach Eatmon has devoted his life to mentoring youth, championing education, and fostering community development. His leadership is marked by integrity and a deep commitment to building bridges that create opportunities for all."

Judge Ricky J. McKinney

"Judge McKinney wears many hats—as a respected Municipal Court Judge for the City of Tuscaloosa and as the visionary Pastor of Weeping Mary Baptist Church. A native of Talladega, Alabama, he brings decades of legal expertise and spiritual leadership to the Tuscaloosa community. Judge McKinney is a graduate of Talladega College, Mississippi State University, and The University of Alabama School of Law. Since 1986, he has practiced law, and since 2015, he has served as Tuscaloosa’s Municipal Judge. His mission is rooted in service, mentorship, and justice—delivered with wisdom, compassion, and a deep faith in God."

Virgie Greene

"A trailblazer in early childhood education, Mrs. Greene is the founder and proprietress of Creative Child Development Learning Center, proudly serving families for over 50 years. Born in Mississippi and raised in Northport, she is a graduate of Druid High School and Alabama A&M University. Mrs. Greene is a champion for youth and education, having served in leadership roles at Bethel Baptist Church and in numerous civic and charitable organizations across Tuscaloosa. Inspired by her first-grade teacher’s vision for her, she has become a self-made businesswoman and pillar of perseverance, faith, and purpose."

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