“Back It Up, Terry!” social media star returns in viral July 4th Parade [VIDEO]
“Back It Up, Terry” star goes viral again in 4th of July parade
One of the internet’s most beloved July 4th moments has officially come full circle—literally, on wheels.
Antario “Terry” Davis, best known for his unforgettable line “Back it up, Terry!”, has once again captured the hearts of millions. This year, he returned to the spotlight during a July 4th parade in Memphis, where he was featured on his very own custom float.
The moment is going viral again in 2025, and for all the right reasons.
Davis, who became an internet sensation in 2017 when his wheelchair got stuck near fireworks, is now a celebrated symbol of resilience, humor, and community spirit.
A Look Back: How “Back It Up, Terry” Became an Internet Classic
The original video dates back to July 4, 2017. In it, Davis is seen trying to light fireworks in front of a Memphis home while sitting in his motorized wheelchair. After lighting the firework, he attempts to back away—only to find that his chair is stuck.
A friend, filming the moment, starts yelling:
“Back it up, Terry! Put it in reverse, Terry!”
Therefor, the urgency, the joy, and the sheer unpredictability of the moment quickly made the video go viral. Social media couldn’t get enough. The video was shared across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even made the rounds on national news outlets.
The catchphrase “Back it up, Terry!” became one of the most enduring memes tied to Independence Day celebrations.
From Viral Fame to Real-Life Impact
The moment was funny—but the reality behind it wasn’t. Davis’s wheelchair had malfunctioned, leaving him unable to move away from live fireworks.
Thankfully, Davis was unharmed. But the video brought attention to his lack of access to reliable mobility equipment.
What followed next was nothing short of inspiring.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for:
- A new, fully functional wheelchair
- A wheelchair-accessible van
- Medical support and mobility needs
The community—and the internet—delivered. The fundraiser gained momentum quickly, with contributions coming from all over the world.
Even companies like Quantum Rehab, a leading wheelchair manufacturer, stepped in to help.
Terry’s Comeback: New Chair, New Ride, New Life
Thanks to the outpouring of donations and corporate support, Davis received:
- A top-of-the-line power wheelchair
- A customized, wheelchair-accessible van
- Ongoing assistance to support his independence
In interviews over the years, Davis expressed gratitude to everyone who turned a humorous moment into a life-changing experience.
“It really changed my life,” he told FOX13 Memphis in a past interview.
Since the viral event, Terry has attended multiple Independence Day celebrations, often invited as a special guest or honorary participant.
His viral moment may have started with sparks on the sidewalk, but it’s grown into a symbol of positivity and perseverance.
2025 Parade Appearance: Terry’s Float Goes Viral Again
Now, in 2025, the man behind one of the internet’s most joyful mishaps is trending once more.
This July 4th, Davis appeared in a Memphis Independence Day parade, riding atop a float decorated with red, white, and blue fireworks—and plenty of “Back It Up” signs.
Furthermore, videos from the event show Terry smiling, waving to fans, and holding a sparkler while riding in his new wheelchair on the float. Music played, kids chanted the iconic phrase, and phones everywhere were recording.
Social media exploded again.
- “He’s a national treasure,” one user wrote on X.
- “No July 4th is complete without Terry,” posted another on TikTok, alongside a video of the parade.
The moment has been viewed millions of times in under 24 hours. Major media outlets and meme pages have already picked up the footage, proving that Terry Davis remains a beloved internet icon.
Why the “Back It Up, Terry” Meme Endures
There’s something deeply human about Terry’s original moment in 2017.
It combined:
- The unexpected
- The comical
- The relatable
And most of all—it had heart.
Many memes come and go, but the Back It Up, Terry video sticks with people because of what it represents. It’s more than fireworks and a stuck wheelchair. It’s about how a community—and a digital world—rallied around someone in a vulnerable moment and turned it into something empowering.
As a result, the story has become a part of July 4th internet tradition, resurfacing annually alongside patriotic memes, fireworks bloopers, and cookout fails.
But Terry’s story hits different—it brings genuine joy and meaning.
Inspiring Others With Laughter and Strength
Terry Davis’s impact goes beyond internet culture.
He’s become a beacon for people with disabilities, showing that even when the spotlight finds you unexpectedly, you can use it to create change. The love and support he’s received from strangers speaks volumes about the power of viral moments that uplift.
Since gaining fame, Terry has used his platform to:
- Advocate for better accessibility and mobility awareness
- Attend community events and parades
- Represent Black disabled voices in positive spaces
He’s also been honored at several local Memphis events, not just for the meme—but for his perseverance and outlook.
A Moment Turned Into a Movement
In an era where internet fame can be fleeting, Antario “Terry” Davis’s story is a reminder of how one moment can lead to meaningful change.
From a stuck wheelchair on a sidewalk to a fully decked-out float in a citywide parade, Terry’s journey has become an annual reminder of:
- Hope
- Joy
- The human spirit
So this July 4th, as the fireworks light up the sky and memes flood your timeline, don’t forget to say it loud:
“Put it in reverse, Terry!”
And smile—because the man behind the phrase is doing just fine.
If you or someone you know is disabled and needs assistance with mobility access, visit trusted resources such as: