Juneteenth is the oldest internationally recognized commemoration that ended slavery in the United States. Black Americans are the focus of this holiday as Galveston, Texas is the home and center where the final group of slaves received news that they were free. Juneteenth is an opportunity to honor and show respect to those who have transitioned, those still living with the affects, and those who continue to fight for our liberation. Since 1865, African Americans have revered this holiday with decades of traditions, community gatherings, and educating the masses. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.
A new Juneteenth tradition has emerged in the South, the Miss Juneteenth America Pageant presented by the Maynard 4 Foundation. The Maynard 4 Foundation is a national organization extending various resources in the interest of furthering education, health equity, culture, and social justice. The foundation seeks to serve as a champion for those of all backgrounds who are in need, so that they may thoroughly and equally share in the American dream.
The inaugural Miss Juneteenth programs are a unique pageantry experience for young ladies nationwide between the ages 13 and 18. This pageant experience aims to showcase the inherent beauty of the participants and minimize stereotypes; develop a sense of self-confidence and pride; and deepen the understanding of African and Black/ African American history and culture. The Miss Juneteenth programs include Junior Miss Juneteenth (ages 13-15); and Teen Miss Juneteenth (ages 16-18).
Related Links:
Why Every American Should Celebrate Juneteenth – Los Angeles Sentinel (lasentinel.net)
2024 marks the third year of the pageant and 17-year-old Los Angeles native Leatha Joyner, won this year’s Teen Miss Juneteenth America. Joyner is a senior at iLEAD, where she was involved in music, performing arts, and acting. She is a SAG actress and is the Far Western Regional President of Phi Delta Kappa’s Xinos, Beta Phi Chapter, and President of Top Teens of America, Los Angeles Chapter. Joyner traveled from L.A. to the national event in Mobile, Alabama and as the only one in her family to participate in pageants, she won the national title to represent Juneteenth.
Joyner believes that Juneteenth is so important because it signifies power and unity amongst Black Americans. “Our ancestors are the roots, and we are the trees that have blossomed from them and their resilience through slavery. My grandmother was the daughter of a sharecropper, and she has really inspired me during the pageant.” In addition to her family, Joyner had the opportunity to research and share about an unknown African American Shero, Mary Ellen Pleasant, who’s story also inspired during her campaign to becoming Teen Miss Juneteenth.
During the competition, Joyner was asked “why do you want to be crowned Teen Miss Juneteenth America?” she responded, “I want to be crowned Miss Juneteenth America to show everyone that they can be whatever they dream to be, and that if they keep on keeping on, their dreams can become a reality. I want to be a role model for younger people of color and share with them African American history. I want to encourage them and show them all that we can be. I also want them to know their skin color is more than just a color, but that it is a story of your family, your ancestors, and that it is power.”
Although there have been many highlights and challenges in her journey, Joyner credits her mother and her family for keeping her motivated and encouraging her to continue the pageant process during moments when she felt overwhelmed. Joyner recalls the day she won the pageant and how it felt to be crowned Teen Miss Juneteenth, “when I woke up that morning, I was really excited but also really tired from the activities the day before. I was at peace as well as nervous.”
“We had rehearsal and did a rundown of the show, then I recited all my key points, and finally got ready for the pageant. I prayed right before pageant time and after completing all the components. One of my favorite components was Be You-tiful where we got to wear something we felt comfortable and confident in and share about our historical figures. During the talent component I sung Angel by Halle Bailey, I wanted to sing a song that had great meaning with a story to tell. The song also reflected what I want my legacy to be. The third component was Career Aspirations where I shared what I wanted my legacy to be. The final component was Juneteenth where we talked about what Juneteenth meant to us and our Juneteenth colors gold, black, red, and green. I wore a blue and gold African print dress from Coquette Kouture on Market Street. We got to the crowning ceremony where I won, and I began to pray and thank God for the honor.”
This summer Joyner will travel to Germany as the youngest Black participant of the CSU Summer Arts Program and in the fall of 2025, she will attend CSU Channel Islands in Oxnard, CA. Joyner received a scholarship from the summer program and in turn, she has donated some of that allotment to other young women looking to make a difference, proving that being a good role model is to show acts of selflessness.
“I plan to continue to act and do theatre. I want to branch out in my acting and singing and through the Maynard 4 Foundation I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone. To young women following my path I would tell them to keep on keeping on. Although there might be bumps, tests, and trials, keep doing what you love, keep striving, keep going, don’t quit. Gods got something for you.”
Learn more about Joyner and what’s to come by following her on Instagram at @lele_joy_, and for more information about the Maynard 4 Foundation or to obtain an application, email [email protected].
