Tammy Maku, Teen Miss Juneteenth America Class of 2026 participant, brings creativity, leadership, and a passion for storytelling to the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program.
As a young leader from Fort Worth, Texas, she represents the next generation carrying Juneteenth as American history forward through education, purpose, and service.
A junior at Central High School in Fort Worth, Tammy reflects the determination and leadership that define the Miss Juneteenth America experience. Her journey blends scholarship, service, and storytelling — reflecting the heart of a program rooted in heritage, education, and leadership.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Tammy maintains an impressive GPA between 3.6 and 4.0, demonstrating strong discipline and academic focus as she prepares for her future.
At school, she actively participates in several leadership roles and organizations, including:
- Social Media Liaison for the National Dance Honor Society
- Member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- News Anchor for school morning announcements
- Interviewer at football games
- Varsity Track and Field Athlete
These experiences have strengthened her communication skills, confidence, and leadership presence — qualities that will continue to shine throughout her Miss Juneteenth America journey.
Talents, Creativity, and Expression
Tammy’s creativity extends well beyond the classroom.
She enjoys:
- Filming podcasts and creating vlogs
- Dance and praise dance
- Running track
- Makeup artistry and creative expression
Through these outlets, Tammy shares her voice and perspective while developing the storytelling and communication skills that align beautifully with her future aspirations.
Her dream career is Broadcast Journalism, where she hopes to inform, inspire, and amplify stories that matter.
A Heart for Community Impact
Leadership within the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program extends beyond personal achievement. Participants are encouraged to uplift their communities and carry forward the spirit of service that shapes American history.
Tammy already lives this commitment through meaningful community engagement, including:
- Volunteering with Beautiful Feet Ministries to serve meals to those in need
- Supporting families through the Keller Food Bank
- Assisting in Sunday School at RCCG Glory House Church
- Serving as a teen motivational speaker at Graceland Baptist Church and Girls Inc. of Tarrant County
She also serves as an Ambassador for Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, where she encourages other young people to grow in confidence and purpose.
Athletic Achievement
Tammy’s determination also shines on the track.
As a Varsity Track and Field athlete, she recently celebrated a personal milestone by breaking her 400-meter personal record with an impressive 59-second finish — a testament to her discipline, focus, and perseverance.
Dream HBCU: Spelman College
As part of the Miss Juneteenth America experience, each participant proudly represents her Dream HBCU, celebrating the connection between education, heritage, and leadership.
Tammy’s Dream HBCU is Spelman College in Georgia, a renowned institution known for cultivating scholarship, leadership, and excellence among young women.
At the Scholarship & Legacy Banquet in Mobile, Alabama, Dream HBCUs are honored alongside participants as they celebrate their educational aspirations and the future they are preparing to build.
A Message That Guides Her Journey
Tammy’s favorite quote reflects the values she strives to live by every day:
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
She believes this message encourages people to treat others with care, compassion, and respect — building stronger and healthier communities.
Using Scholarships to Empower Others
Tammy also hopes to expand a platform she is developing called “Me Matters Most.”
Through workshops and youth events, the initiative encourages young people to grow in:
- Self-love
- Confidence
- Kindness
Scholarship funds earned through the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program would allow her to expand this initiative, providing resources and creating spaces where young people can learn the importance of believing in themselves.
Supporting Youth Leadership Through Giving
Tammy’s nonprofit organization of choice is Kids Acting With Purpose (KAWP), a youth development organization dedicated to empowering young people through leadership training, community engagement, and positive mentorship.
Through programs that encourage personal growth, confidence, and service, Kids Acting With Purpose provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful difference in their communities.
Through this connection, Tammy hopes to support initiatives that inspire young people to discover their voice, build confidence, and lead with purpose.
Continuing the Story in Mobile, Alabama
In June 2026, Tammy will travel to Mobile, Alabama, where she will join fellow participants from across the nation for a week of leadership development, heritage experiences, and scholarship opportunities.
From the Dora Franklin Finley Heritage Trail Tour to the Second Line Parade and the Scholarship & Legacy Banquet, each moment reflects the deeper purpose of the Miss Juneteenth America Scholarship Pageantry Program — honoring heritage while preparing the next generation of leaders.
As a member of the Miss Juneteenth America Class of 2026, Tammy joins young leaders nationwide who are transforming the celebration of Juneteenth into a living experience of leadership, scholarship, and service.
Tammy’s journey reminds us that the story of Juneteenth is not only remembered — it is lived through young leaders who carry forward the values of freedom, education, and community impact.
And this is only the beginning of her chapter.