2025 Registration Opens July 1, 2024!

“More Than A Pageant”

Participant Eligibility:

Young ladies ages 13-15 are eligible to compete in the Junior Miss Juneteenth pageant component of the program, whereas young ladies ages 16-18 are eligible to compete in the Teen Miss Juneteenth pageant component.

Participants must:

Have a 2.5 Minimum GPA
Be Single
Have no Dependents
Not have a Criminal Record
Have the Desire to Represent The Maynard 4 Foundation in a Positive Manner
Have the Ability to Volunteer on behalf of The Maynard 4 Foundation (virtual options available)
Have Parental Consent to Participate (applicable to Participants under the age of 18)
Have Availability to Attend Pageantry Meetings (virtual options available)
Have Time to Dedicate to Learning an African Inspired Dance to Showcase (virtual)

Competition Information

Both age groups will compete in the following four on-stage categories:

BeYoutiful: Must wear attire that allows your “Light to Shine” that reflects courage, strength, and dignity.
Talent: Must demonstrate a talent that respectfully pays tribute to the African or Black/African American culture.
Career Aspirations: Must wear attire that represents your future self and career aspiration.
Formal Wear: Must wear traditional African formal clothing or formal wear reflecting Juneteenth colors.

Participants must also be prepared to answer questions with clarity, eloquence, and focus during the on-stage components as outlined above. These questions and time limits will be discussed during orientation and will be outlined in the Orientation Guide to allow for ample time to prepare.

Participants will also engage in business marketing, where they engage in the sale of ads to fundraise for scholarships and charities of their choice that aligns with the mission of The Maynard 4 Foundation. Participants will be allowed to sell ads from March 1, 2024-May 15, 2024. However, they are encouraged to develop their marketing plan beforehand.

Finally, participants must compose an essay highlighting a black female historical figure and highlight personal accomplishments that are not often discussed in the mainstream.

Each Participant will be granted a scholarship based on her individual sale of ads under the Business Marketing component as specified above. Specifically, each participant will be awarded 60% of her individual sale proceeds to cover expenses for educational and/or cultural enrichment to include, but not limited to, the following: school supplies (i.e., books, laptop, and any other needs as indicated by the educational institution), school uniforms, etiquette classes, financial literacy workshops/seminars, foreign language programs, summer or enrichment camps (overnight included), SAT/ACT prep courses, etc. Participants are required to provide documentation for the award.

Additionally, each Participant shall select a charity of her choice that aligns with one of the four areas of focus established by The Maynard 4 Foundation to receive 19% of the proceeds individually raised from the sale of ads as discussed above.

The scholarship and grants are based on the amount generated from the sale of ads – not general contributions. However, contributions are welcome to support the programming for The Maynard 4 Foundation, which is a non-profit.

Testimonials

“At first glance, I was very excited, but nervous about meeting so many new girls; although, once I met them I felt like I had known them forever. We were pumped up all weekend long with various activities and good food. I am so blessed to have a newfound sisterhood in my life."

Mariah Smith, 2023 Crowned Junior Miss Juneteenth America

"I loved that the pageant focused on black history and women's empowerment. The Maynard 4 Foundation provided an excellent environment for learning and being involved in the community."

Karrington Bourgeois-Wilkins, 2023 Crowned Teen Miss Juneteenth America

“During this journey of the Juneteenth Pageant I have experienced love, teamwork, compassion, boldness, and strength. Each girl had every single one of these characteristic traits and it helped me out during the pageant. Each adult that was present played their role with so much wisdom and wanting to help us girls feel and know that we can strive if we put our mind to it. I feel like even though I did not win I know that the queens that did win deserved it because they did amazing, and again we all did. It was a wonderful experience and I want to just thank Mrs. Suntrease and the Maynard 4 foundation for having me and showing me new things."

Elizabeth Gates, 2023 Teen Miss Juneteenth America Participant

"I am so grateful for having been in the Juneteenth Pageant because of the sisterhood. I really loved being able to finally meet Ms. Suntrease and all the other girls in person. Yet, I also really enjoyed being able to learn more about my culture. All in all, I really had fun and was so grateful for everything I learned. Ms. Cassaundra Burks left a distinctive impression in my heart; I LOVED her energy, as well as her honesty! It was very fun being in second line, too, my first experience. Being able to learn more about Africatown was also truly cool, especially since I have been volunteering hours with the not-for-profit, LOTO ('Lead One, Teach One' of UTOPIAN LEGACY), and Chief Jason Lewis to clean up and assist in the refurbishing of a couple properties around the Heritage House and near the Community Center."

Yasmin Hutchinson, 2023 Junior Miss Juneteenth America Participant

“I am proud to say my experience working with Mrs. Suntrease Maynard and her foundation in the Juneteenth pageant was so welcoming to young black girls and I’ve gained 12 new sisters!”

Trinity Lofton, 2023 Teen Miss Juneteenth America Participant