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Queen Leatha Joyner LA Sentinel Interview

2024 Teen Miss Juneteenth America, Leatha, LA Sentinel Interview - 07.2024

Honoring Juneteenth Through Excellence, Leadership, and Purpose

Seventeen-year-old Leatha Joyner has made history as the 2024 Teen Miss Juneteenth America, representing the rich legacy of Juneteenth and the power of young Black women in leadership. Recently, she was featured in The Los Angeles Sentinel, a prestigious African-American-owned newspaper based in Los Angeles, California.

As one of the oldest, largest, and most influential Black newspapers in the Western United States, the Sentinel reaches over 125,000 readers and has played a vital role in documenting Black history, culture, and achievements. Known for its in-depth reporting on African-American life post-1992 Los Angeles Riots, its coverage of Leatha’s victory highlights the national impact of the Miss Juneteenth America Pageantry Program.

A Legacy of Strength and Inspiration

Leatha, a Los Angeles native and high school senior at iLEAD, traveled to Mobile, Alabama to compete in the third annual Miss Juneteenth America Pageant, hosted by the Maynard 4 Foundation. Despite being the first in her family to participate in pageantry, she embraced the experience wholeheartedly, ultimately claiming the national title.

For Leatha, Juneteenth represents power, resilience, and unity among Black Americans. Inspired by her grandmother, a sharecropper’s daughter, and the story of African-American entrepreneur and abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, Leatha used her platform to honor those who paved the way for future generations.

During the competition, she was asked: “Why do you want to be crowned Teen Miss Juneteenth America?” Her response was powerful:

“I want to be crowned Miss Juneteenth America to show everyone that they can be whatever they dream to be, and that if they keep on keeping on, their dreams can become a reality. I want to be a role model for younger people of color and share with them African American history. I want to encourage them and show them all that we can be. I also want them to know their skin color is more than just a color, but that it is a story of your family, your ancestors, and that it is power.”

More Than a Crown: A Transformational Experience

Throughout the pageant, Leatha participated in several categories that tested her intellect, confidence, and connection to her heritage. Some of the most impactful moments included:

Be You-tiful Segment: Contestants wore an outfit that made them feel confident and powerful while sharing about a historical Black figure.
🎶 Talent Presentation: Leatha performed “Angel” by Halle Bailey, a song that reflects self-worth, resilience, and the beauty of Black womanhood.
💼 Career Aspirations Speech: She shared her vision for her future, inspiring the judges with her dreams and goals.
🖤 Juneteenth Tribute: She passionately spoke about the importance of Juneteenth, wearing a stunning blue and gold African print dress that symbolized cultural pride and the fight for freedom.

Reflecting on the experience, Leatha shared:

“One of my favorite parts of the pageant was the Be You-tiful segment because we got to express who we are while sharing about an inspiring historical figure. I also loved the talent portion, where I sang ‘Angel’ by Halle Bailey. I wanted to perform a song that truly spoke to my journey and the legacy I want to leave behind.”

A Role Model in Action

Beyond the pageant, Leatha is committed to giving back and uplifting other young Black women. She was recently selected as the youngest Black participant in the CSU Summer Arts Program in Germany and has been awarded a scholarship to CSU Channel Islands, where she will begin her studies in Fall 2025.

In a remarkable act of selflessness, she donated a portion of her scholarship to support other young women looking to make a difference, proving that a true role model leads by example.

As she continues her journey, Leatha plans to pursue acting, theater, and community service, using her platform to inspire young Black women to embrace their culture and strive for greatness.

Her message to others?

“Keep on keeping on. Although there might be bumps, tests, and trials, keep doing what you love, keep striving, keep going, don’t quit. God’s got something for you.”

A Future of Empowerment and Excellence

Leatha Joyner’s journey as Teen Miss Juneteenth America is just beginning. She stands as a beacon of leadership, cultural pride, and perseverance, inspiring young Black women across the nation to embrace their heritage, push past their fears, and step boldly into their purpose.

Congratulations, Leatha! Your grace, intelligence, and commitment to empowerment truly embody the spirit of Miss Juneteenth America.

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