Inaugural
2022 Competition & Events
#MoreThanAPageant
2022 Program Highlights & Impact
The Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageantry Program, a trademark of The Maynard 4 Foundation, is a three-day educational program designed for young ladies nationwide ages 13-18. Prior to arrival, each participant had to research an African American woman, who is often not discussed in mainstream education. The program starts with a welcome reception with a woman, who has made history in her own right. This year’s Welcome Reception was hosted by Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. After the Welcome Reception, the participants engaged in a sister circle, where they fellowshipped with women in different career fields to discuss different career options. This sister circle was facilitated by Administrative Law Judge Tori Adams. Additionally, they attended an HBCU Resource Fair and was provided with materials from various HBCUs and met with HBCU alumni from many other HBCUs. This fair was held in conjunction with the Exquisite Pearls of the Alabama Eastern Shore, an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The HBCU Resource Fair was facilitated by Dr. Victoria Perry and Mrs. Aqualyn Kennedy. There was also a financial literacy presentation by Dr. Khalilah Burton, who discussed funding college.
On the second day, the participants attended two additional seminars on public speaking and confidence building presented by Dr. Khalilah Burton and Ms. Tracie Brown, respectively. Later in the day, the young ladies engaged in a unique pageantry experience, where they discussed the African American women they researched, their career aspirations, displayed talent that paid tribute to the African American culture and discussed the meaning of Juneteenth. The pageant also engaged the audience in an educational experience as it pertains to American history and contributions of African Americans to our nation. Moreover, there was a presentation on Africatown by Major Joe Womack. Ms. Lenise Ligon, Fox 10 Anchor, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, for both Junior Miss Juneteenth and Teen Miss Juneteenth also trademarks of The Maynard 4 Foundation. Clair Basey was crowned Junior Miss Juneteenth and Kendra Jordan was crowned Teen Miss Juneteenth.
On the third day, the participants attended the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Brunch sponsored by Mobile Area Council Boy Scouts of America, where Miss Mobile Bay Brianna Burrell, served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Joi Williams, Princess America Pageants’ National Teen 2021 delivered the keynote remarks. During the brunch, The Maynard 4 Foundation made a presentation of almost $9000 in scholarship funds to The Empowerment Approach to provide 13 scholarships. The Maynard 4 Foundation also recognized the charities selected by the participants to receive grants. As part of this program, the following charities are also impacted: 1) Ambitiously His Her King Foundation; 2) Big Brother Big Sister of South Alabama; 3) Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama; 4) Doris Marie Jones Foundation; 5) Girls on the Run; 6) Girl Scouts of South Alabama; 7) Gulf Coast Kid’s House; 8) Helping Hands; 9) Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in care of troop 283; 10) Penelope House; 11) St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital; 12) Thurgood Marshall College Fund; and 13) Watchdogs for Justice. Almost $3000 will be provided to impact over a dozen charities.
After the presentations, the participants embarked on the Dora Franklin-Finley African American Heritage Trail Tour with an emphasis on Africatown.
Congratulations to the
2022 Miss Juneteenth Competition Winners
2022
Junior Miss Juneteenth
Ms. Clair Basey of Mobile, AL
2022
Teen Miss Juneteenth
Ms. Kendra Jordan of Mobile, AL
Junior Miss Juneteenth
Award Category Winners
- Best BeYoutiful: Savannah Stone
- Best Career Aspirations: Micah Johnson
- Best Talent: Clair Basey
- Best Formal: Savannah Stone
Teen Miss Juneteenth
Award Category Winners
- Best BeYoutiful: Mia Hardy
- Best Career Aspirations: Kendra Jordan
- Best Talent: Kendra Jordan
- Best Formal: Mia Hardy
2022
Junior Miss Juneteenth
Participants
Kennedie Armstrong from Mobile, Alabama is a rising freshman, who runs track, plays volleyball and enjoys singing and dancing. Due to her love for singing, she serves on the youth choir at her church. She is also a member of her local Girl Scouts Troop – Troop #8167 under Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama. Despite being an incoming freshman in high school, she has already been accepted into the early college program with the University of Alabama. She aspires to become a pediatrician. Her favorite quote is, “I am who I am.”
Clair Basey from Mobile, Alabama is a rising junior, who has been a gifted student dating back to her elementary school years. She was inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society. She also received an invitation for Ambassador Leaders, which allowed her to spend a week at Harvard University, where she engaged with hundreds of students from across the globe. She learned skills in leadership, team building and relationship building. She is currently enrolled in the early college program, but makes time for sports, which includes volleyball with the intent to also play soccer, tennis and track this upcoming school year. She aspires to become an aerospace engineer. Her favorite quote is “Reach for the Moon! Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”
India Carter from Pensacola, Florida is a rising freshman, who is active in school and her local community. She was a member of the cheerleading squad for three years serving as one of the two Co-Captains this past school year. She was also a member of the Student Government Association and the track team. Outside of school, she participates on the Pensacola Red Diamonds Step Team, Rubies and Pearls for Girls Mentor Group and the Delta Academy, where she has held the office of Chaplain for the last two years. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, sleeping, shopping and stargazing. She aspires to become an OB/GYN. Her favorite quote is “Anything I do, I want to do it well.”
Micah Johnson from Mobile, Alabama is a rising freshman, who describes herself as vibrant and outgoing. She has always been an overachiever even striving to maintain perfect attendance and straight As. She was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and has served on the Student Council during her early educational years. She is also enrolled in the early college program. In addition to her achievements in academics, she has been a dancer since the age of six. She considers dancing her passion, and she has been selected to serve on the dance team this upcoming school year. She was also a cheerleader, where she was on a team that came in second place for nationals. Additionally, she is volunteering for Ambitiously Him Her King Foundation. She aspires to become an attorney. Her favorite quote is “Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
Kamarin Powe from Daphne, Alabama is a rising freshman, who was enrolled in Honors Science and Advance Mathematics. She enjoys both music and art, which caused her to study the violin and get involved in the Art Club. She also serves as a manager for the high school volleyball team. She is very
involved in her church, where she is active in the youth department and sings on the youth choir and is a member of the praise dance team. She aspires to become an aerospace engineer. Her favorite quote is “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
Savannah Stone from Mobile, Alabama is a rising junior, who has a passion for inspiring others. She wants to inspire others to stay focused even when life becomes difficult. She is mostly known for her positive outlook knowing that everything happens in accordance with God’s plan. She has made it her journey to share what is beautiful in life. Because of her love and unique talent for singing, she is on the choir. She also participates in drama class. She aspires to become a professional singer. Her favorite quote is “Don’t let the distance between where you are and where you want to be scare you out of simply moving forward.”
Kirklyn Thurman from Mobile, Alabama is a rising sophomore, who has served as a member of the Junior Varsity cheerleading squad and is currently a member of her school’s dance team – The Dancing Diamonds. She also studies dance outside of school at Elevation Dance and Training Center. She is also a student of ballet, where she trains with Carol Graham studio. She is also a member of the Alabama Dance Council. She has studied dance since the age of 2. She is active in her church, where she serves on the Hands of Praise Dance/Sign team and is a member of the junior usher board. She aspires to become a veterinarian. Her favorite quote is “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
Krislyn Yates from Blythewood, South Carolina is a rising eighth grader, who is a straight A student in the AVID program, which is for gifted and talented students. She is also a member of the Beta Club. Some of her enjoyments include gymnastics, playing Roblox with her friends, dressing stylishly and anything purple or sparkling. She has already authored a book, Dolls Come to Life, and is currently working on her second novel. She aspires to become an architect. Her favorite quote is “Princess or queen, tomboy or king. You’ve heard a lot, you’ve never seen. Mother Earth, Mother Mary rise to the top. Define feminine, I’m feminine.”
2022
Teen Miss Juneteenth
Participants
JaKayla Armstrong from Mobile, Alabama is a recent graduate, who will attend The University of Alabama in the fall majoring in Kinesiology. She is the first female African American Eagle Scout of the Mobile Area Council and the state of Alabama. Prior to graduating, she served as the Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad, the Vice President of the Student Government Association and was a member of the National Honor Society. She is also active in her church, where she serves on the choir. She aspires to become a kinesiologist. Her favorite quote is, “The sky is the limit.”
Achol Atem from Mobile, Alabama is a rising senior, who plays on the Varsity Soccer team and is involved in Apiary and the Interact Club. She was most recently on the headmasters list all four quarters for academic achievement. She was also the recipient of the Brittany Huber Memorial Scholarship Award. She enjoys spending time with her friends and meeting new people. She believes that a large part of her life is defined by her family being from South Sudan. She aspires to become an aerospace engineer. Her favorite quote is, “We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with sleep.”
Mia Hardy from Pensacola, Florida is a recent graduate, who will initially attend Tallahassee Community College and ultimately transfer to Florida A&M University to major in Biochemistry. Prior to graduating, she served as a Varsity cheerleader and President of Health Occupations Students of America. She is also very involved in her church, where she attends Sunday service, weekly bible study and vacation bible school. She desires to give back to her community. She aspires to become an anesthesiologist. Her favorite quote is “We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.”
Aliciya Howard from Mobile, Alabama is a rising junior, who runs track and is active in her school’s JROTC program. She has participated in multiple JROTC programs with the first one being at a school in Mississippi, where she made history being the first back female to join the PT team. She was also a member of the drill team never earning anything less than an A on a uniform inspection. She believes that she has gained many leadership skills and valuable life lessons through her participation in the JROTC program. She aspires to become an anesthesiologist. Her favorite quote is “The time is always right to do the right thing.”
Kendra Jordan from Mobile, Alabama is a rising junior, who has maintained a 3.6 GPA despite being involved in many clubs and organizations to include Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, Leadership Club and Multicultural Club. She is also an Academy Ambassador and was involved in Delta Gems. She believes that these experiences have provided her with an opportunity to acquire knowledge on a myriad of topics and gain many skills through public speaking and community service. In her time outside of school, she engages in the study of dance and is a part of Dance 101 Academy of Ballet Studio and Company. She considers dance to be her safe haven and is something she has done for as long as she can remember. She also has a love for all forms of art to include sketching, painting, digital and hands on art work. She aspires to become a marine biologist. Her favorite quote is “Life is a journey – not a destination.”
Taliyah Scruggs from Snellville, Georgia is a recent graduate, who will attend Morris Brown College this upcoming fall. She has been involved in tennis, golf and cheer. She has learned that nothing is permanent in light of obstacles. She believes that obstacles can test one’s patience and intelligence, but it all becomes a part of your story. She aspires to become an attorney. Her favorite quote is “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
2022
Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageantry Program
Special Guests
June 18, 2022
Presentation: Past, Present, and Future of Africatown
Executive Director of africatown-chess.org
Co-Founder of africatownhpf.org
Major Joe Womack, was born in historic Africatown, Alabama in 1950 & graduated from historic Mobile County Training School in 1968 (the first training school for blacks in the state of Alabama & a Rosenwald School). After earning a degree in Business Administration from Saint Paul’s College, Major Womack served 20 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, leading operations in Japan, Korea, Pensacola, FL, and New Orleans, LA. In addition to working 16 years at Shell/Dupont and being the first black professional to be promoted at that chemical facility. Major Womack has initiated many locally-led community efforts, some include Mobile County Training School Alumni Association, Africatown Community Development Corporation, Mobile County African American Summit, and Black Military Workers of America, Inc. & The Mobile County Environmental Justice Action Coalition. Major Womack is an inspiring leader in promoting positive and sustainable change and currently leads a non-profit organization called C.H.E.S.S. or Clean, Healthy, Educated, Safe & Sustainable Community, Inc.
Photo Gallery
Thank You to Our 2022 Sponsors!
We are extremely thankful to all of our sponsors that helped make this program a success. Our generous sponsors include:
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
Rely Delivery Service
Kennedy Strategic Communications
DiCello Levitt Gutzler
100 Black Men of Greater Mobile
GOLD SPONSORS:
Mr. Darryl Wilson, Esq.
Mr. and Mrs. James and Carol Hunter
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Dawniqua Bass
Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Scherry Douglass (2 x Gold)
Ms. Jamie Snowden (2 x Gold)
Ms. FeAunte Preyear
Champion Sponsors
Mr. Ron Newton
Mr. Stephen Valentine
Dr. and Mrs. Aston and Sherry Archibald
Mr. Wayne Matthew
Refuge of Hope Disciple Center – Dr. Judy Farmer & Dr. Thérèse Farmer
Huntley Law Firm
Tour Sponsor
Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail Tour
Brunch Sponsor
Boy Scouts of America, Mobile Area Council
In-kind Sponsors
NSpire U
Southern View Media
Fox 10
C Kinion Design LLC
Boutique Website Design & Branding Agency
Battle House Hotel & Spa
Jubilee Suites Boutique Hotel
Bay Images
Publix
Walmart
Sam’s
Diversity Magazine
Encore
Bay Flowers
O’Dette Body Care
Additional Sponsors
Councilman William Carroll, District 2 (Mobile)
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Susan Siegel
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher & Victoria Perry
Gabriel Peck – Allstate Insurance
Destiny Christian Center
Thank you to all the following HBCUs who contributed to our 2022 HBCU Resource Fair!
We are thankful to all the HBCUs that generously provided materials to make our HBCU Resource Fair a success. They include the following:
Additionally, we are thankful to the alumnae and current students that participated in representing several HBCUs including Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University; Howard University; Lincoln University; Morgan State University; Shaw University; Spelman College; Texas Southern University; and Tougaloo College.
We are also thankful to Dr. Victoria Perry and Mrs. Aqualyn Kennedy for facilitating the HBCU Resource Fair as well as to Dr. Khalilah Burton for providing the financial literacy workshop.