Hello everyone, my name is Clair Basey, and I am your first and Inaugural Junior Miss Juneteenth.
Last year I had the honor and the blessing of being crowned Junior Miss Juneteenth of 2022. The Maynard4Foundation put together a wonderful weekend of history, empowerment, and sisterhood for us to take in. And with that weekend I took in life lessons that I have used for the past year and will continue to for the rest of my life.
The opportunities I’ve experienced and the people I have met through this journey has been a blessing; From being able to perform for Bishop States Black History Month program and the Vernon Crawford Bar Association’s Scholarship Brunch to being awarded by the Mobile Black Chamber of Commerce and getting an interview with two amazing show-hosts. I met our mayor Sandy Stimpson and got to participate in many networking events with Teen Miss Juneteenth which included being a part of the people united to advance the dream gala and joining them in commemorating the 56th anniversary of bloody Sunday in Selma where our president Joe Biden spoke. Walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with The Maynard And Teen Miss Juneteenth was a monumental moment that I will never forget and am grateful to have been a part of. It all feels surreal to have been a part of this city’s history and being able to honor the ones that came before us in a way that shines a light on the African American community but also educates others that aren’t.
I am forever grateful and thankful to The Maynard 4 Foundation and specifically Suntrease Maynard for their vision of creating this nonprofit organization and developing their programs
This pageant has changed so much for me. Recently I was told by someone I met at an impact 100 networking event that she remembers meeting me almost a year ago. And that how I am now is almost unrecognizable. This pageant has not only taken me on a professional journey but a personal one as well my confidence and self-esteem boosted, and my public speaking has improved immensely.
I cannot give enough thanks to Mrs. Suntrease Maynard, The Maynard4Foundation, and the speakers I was obtained so much valuable information from. I genuinely cannot be prouder of myself and this pageant of how far we’ve come. I am so excited to crown the new queen and see her thrive. It was amazing for me and I’m sure It’ll be even more so for the next.
With gratefulness and pride I am Clair Basey, your Junior Miss Juneteenth of 2022, Thank you!