About Us
About the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program
The Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program is more than a pageant. It is a transformative and empowering experience designed for young ladies nationwide between the ages of 13 and 18. Unlike traditional pageants, this program surpasses superficial beauty and talent showcases by breaking stereotypes, fostering personal growth, and strengthening the participants’ sense of cultural awareness. Through various learning opportunities, such as historical lectures, cultural performances, and community engagement, participants develop a deeper understanding of African and African American history, heritage, and honorable achievements.
Participants are provided an opportunity to flex their philanthropic muscles by raising funds for a charity of their choice. Additionally, a significant portion of the funds raised is presented to them in the form of a scholarship, so they can further pursue their educational interests ranging from academic, artistic, literary, scientific, and more.
At its core, the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program is more than a pageant creating a platform where young ladies can embrace their unique identities and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth. Participants are engaged in several workshops and are challenged to utilize their leadership and public speaking skills. Participants also network and build lifetime relationships that will aid in their success both during and long after the program. Come experience the #morethanapageant difference!
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth, a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth,” carries immense historical and cultural significance in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it commemorates the belated announcement of emancipation to enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865, following the conclusion of the Civil War. This day symbolizes the end of chattel slavery in the U.S. and represents freedom, resilience, and the enduring struggle for civil rights and equality. Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and injustices of American history, highlighting the delayed realization of freedom for many African Americans. It celebrates the strength, ingenuity, and contributions of Black communities throughout history, emphasizing unity, heritage, and the ongoing pursuit of social justice. Recognized as a day of reflection, education, and empowerment, Juneteenth fosters dialogue, cultural pride, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, while honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality.
About The Maynard 4 Foundation
The Maynard 4 Foundation is like no other in every aspect. We’re standing at a precipice preparing to take a leap of faith and venture out on this new endeavor. We are trusting our current and future partners to help realize our vision of creating a holistic approach to ensure that we are at our strongest as a nation. And with all of us working together, we aim to bring creative change to all integral facets of our society from matters involving our youth, to our educational institutions, to the offices of corporate America. Our innovative programs and initiatives offer remedies for injustice as we focus on the entire evolution of the healing process and not just a singularity.
Meet the Directors
Mrs. Suntrease Williams-Maynard
Mrs. Maynard is a native of Farmville, Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice (with a minor in Psychology) from Shaw University, a Master of Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law.
Suntrease started her career as an Assistant United States Attorney joining the U.S. Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. After serving with the federal government for over a decade, she joined the law firm Adams and Reese LLP as the first African American woman in their Mobile office serving as Special Counsel representing a myriad of clients ranging from municipalities, corporations, educational institutions and individuals needing representation in federal court. Now, she manages the Legal Department for Mobile, the second largest city in Alabama, where she serves as the Deputy City Attorney. She also carries the rank of Major in the United States Air Force Reserve.
Suntrease is active in a number of professional, legal, and civic organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, Rotary International, and Junior League of Mobile to name a few. Most importantly, she is a proud member of her church, where she is involved in several ministries.
Suntrease favorite pastime is spending time with her family, who share in the realization of her vision. In their time together, it is all about the beach, water sports, board games, and special trips to the spa with Destiny.
Mr. Stephen Maynard, II
Mr. Maynard is a native of Mount Rainier, Maryland – a town that borders our nation’s capital. In his youth, his parents instilled the values of family, empathy, and persistence. These values remained with him as an adult and evolved into a need to serve.
Feeling a calling to serve the community in a real and meaningful way, Stephen has over 15 years of public service, and holds the rank of Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve.
Stephen is also an avid outdoorsman and enjoys long runs down scenic tree-lined roads. He enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice from University of Arizona and a Master of Public Administration from Clemson University…Go Tigers! He is active in his local church, where he serves in multiple ministries. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons, and The Strikers Club, Incorporated.
Mr. Dareon Maynard
Dareon enjoys chess, digital coding, and playing golf. He studied strings instruments, particularly violin and viola, for 5 years and served in a youth orchestra. He is also deeply involved in the youth department and served on the Junior Usher Board at the church attended by his family.
He has been a chess player since the age of 3 and spearheaded the creation of the chess club and team for his elementary school, where he served as the First President for the club. Under his leadership, the team brought home several first-place trophies. He held the title as the highest-ranking player in elementary and middle school in two counties during his elementary years.
He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project, which will continue to bring the game of chess to elementary school students. He has been Scouting since first grade and also serves in the Order of Arrow, which is the National Honor Society for The Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He was elected the Chapter Chief in his community and is the first African American to hold that position. He is an honor roll student and an Ambassador for his school. He is a graduate of several youth leadership programs, including the chamber for his local community and RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). He is also the mastermind behind the Boys Leadership Institute, which is another youth program hosted by TM4F. He aspires to become a medical doctor specializing in radiology.
Ms. Destiny Maynard
Destiny is an award-winning equestrian and has been riding horses since second grade and aspires to be an equine veterinarian. She is an honor student while participating in a number of extracurricular activities in school to include the running club, chess club and the equestrian club. Outside of school, she serves on the competition team for a musical theater company, she plays the piano and serves in Girls Scout, where she has attained the rank of Junior initially starting as a Daisy. Destiny is the mastermind behind TM4F’s Tea Time with Destiny.
She enjoys acting, singing, dancing and modeling and is a graduate of Barbizon. Moreover, she has served on the Children’s Royal Court for MAMGA for three terms serving as goblet bearer and scepter bearer. She is also very active in her church serving in the youth ministry, where she sings in the choir, recites scripture from memory for special programs and does praise dance.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, drawing, special trips to the spa with her mother and spending time with her family.