On June 16, 2026, three Miss Juneteenth America representatives participated in the Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association’s Juneteenth Celebration and Social in Mobile, Alabama.
Ms. Cayliegh Humphrey, Queen Erin Hammond, and Ms. Miley Jones shared personal reflections on the meaning of Juneteenth with attorneys, judges, community leaders, and other guests gathered at Greer’s Market.
Through their remarks and conversations, the representatives honored the history of Juneteenth while showing how young people can use their voices to educate others, strengthen community connections, and lead with purpose.
What Happened at the Vernon Z. Crawford Juneteenth Celebration?
The Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association’s Juneteenth Celebration and Social brought community members together to commemorate Juneteenth through reflection, fellowship, and conversation.
Representing the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program® were:
- Ms. Cayliegh Humphrey, Teen Miss Juneteenth America 2026 First Runner-up
- Queen Erin Hammond, Junior Miss Juneteenth America 2026
- Ms. Miley Jones, Junior Miss Juneteenth America 2026 First Runner-up
Each representative introduced herself and reflected on what Juneteenth means to her. Their participation connected the history of the holiday with continuing conversations about freedom, resilience, education, equality, justice, leadership, and community responsibility.
Ms. Cayliegh Humphrey: Using Opportunities to Share Something Meaningful
For Ms. Cayliegh Humphrey, the celebration provided an opportunity to commemorate Juneteenth in fellowship with others and share her personal connection to the holiday.
One of the most meaningful parts of the appearance was being able to speak freely before an attentive audience. She also helped guests learn more about the representatives by sharing their schools and Miss Juneteenth America® titles.
The experience strengthened Cayliegh’s understanding of purposeful leadership. She reflected on the importance of recognizing opportunities to speak and using those moments to share something meaningful.
Her participation demonstrated that leadership can begin with a willingness to contribute, educate, and encourage others when an opportunity is presented.
Queen Erin Hammond: Leadership That Educates, Inspires, and Unites
Queen Erin Hammond spoke about the meaning of Juneteenth before professionals, community leaders, attorneys, and guests.
For Erin, the appearance was more than an opportunity to address an audience. It allowed her to serve as a young voice for the history, meaning, and continued importance of Juneteenth.
Her remarks highlighted Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring legacy of those who worked toward equality and justice.
The experience also helped Erin develop a deeper understanding of leadership. She learned that leadership is not only about speaking in front of others. It is also about using your voice to educate, inspire, and bring people together around something meaningful.
By sharing her reflection, Erin helped honor the past while encouraging the audience to recognize the continued importance of Juneteenth today.
Ms. Miley Jones: Encouraging Others to Learn Their History
Ms. Miley Jones introduced herself, described what Juneteenth means to her, and spoke with Mobile-area attorneys and judges about her role as a 2026 Miss Juneteenth America® representative.
During the celebration, Miley encouraged others to learn more about their ancestors, recognize how far the journey toward freedom has come, and understand the history behind Juneteenth.
One of her most memorable experiences was speaking with legal professionals about the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program®, her contributions to the program, and what she has learned through her participation.
The appearance strengthened Miley’s confidence and helped her recognize that she could speak sincerely from the heart about Juneteenth and its personal meaning.
Her conversations also communicated an important message about the program: Miss Juneteenth America® is more than a pageant. Its representatives have opportunities to share history, participate in community life, and develop the confidence to speak about issues that matter.
Why Youth Leadership Matters at Juneteenth Events
Youth participation helps connect the history of Juneteenth with the responsibility of carrying its meaning forward.
By speaking before civic and legal professionals, Cayliegh, Erin, and Miley showed that young people can contribute meaningfully to conversations about freedom, heritage, equality, progress, and community.
Their participation also demonstrated several important parts of leadership:
- Learning the history behind an issue
- Reflecting on its personal and community significance
- Speaking with confidence and sincerity
- Educating and encouraging others
- Building relationships across generations and professions
Each representative left the event with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of how her voice can make a positive contribution.
A Meaningful Connection Between Youth and Civic Leadership
The celebration placed young representatives in a room with attorneys, judges, bar association members, community leaders, and guests.
That connection created an opportunity for intergenerational conversation. The representatives were able to share their perspectives while learning how civic and legal professionals come together to recognize history and support their community.
Their presence reminded those in attendance that leadership does not begin with a title or a certain age. It can begin with learning, reflection, preparation, and the courage to speak.
Appreciation for the Mobile Community
The Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program® extends sincere appreciation to the Vernon Z. Crawford Bay Area Bar Association for inviting its representatives to participate in the Juneteenth Celebration and Social.
The program also recognizes Greer’s Market, attending Mobile Bar Association members, Mobile-area attorneys and judges, and The Maynard 4 Foundation for contributing to a welcoming gathering centered on history, fellowship, youth leadership, and community.
The event gave Cayliegh, Erin, and Miley a meaningful opportunity to honor Juneteenth, connect with community members, and grow as representatives and emerging leaders.
More Than a Pageant. A Living Chapter of American History.
This appearance reflected the heart of Miss Juneteenth America:
More Than a Pageant. A Living Chapter of American History.
Through every reflection, conversation, and community connection, these young representatives helped carry forward the meaning of Juneteenth as a continuing story of freedom, resilience, progress, leadership, and purpose.
Their participation showed that honoring history also includes helping a new generation understand it, speak about it, and carry its lessons forward.
