The 2024 Miss Juneteenth Minnesota will be determined at Hamline University on Saturday, June 8. Competitors ages six to 30 will compete in five divisions as part of the pageant, which is focused on creating a platform for its Black contestants to educational, networking and career opportunities.
The Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant takes place from 2-4 p.m. at Hamline’s Sundin Music Hall, with KARE 11 reporter Kiya Edwards serving as emcee.
The event theme is "Rediscovering Our Culture and Redefining Our Freedom." Organizers said their vision is to inspire all participants to become better public speakers, embrace their diversity, understand their self-worth and boost their self-confidence. One of the goals of the pageant is to educate the 24 contestants about the origins and purpose of Juneteenth.
The distinguished panel of judges include:
- Anika Bowie, councilwoman, City of St. Paul
- Dr. Nerita Griffin Hughes, president, Bay de Noc Community College, Escanaba, Michigan
- Roslyn Harmon, mayor of Golden Valley, Minnesota
- Ella Mahmoud, co-chief executive officer, Seed, Inc.
- Lanore VanBuren, Miss Minnesota 2002
Tickets are on sale April 24 through the pageant date. Ticket prices range from $25 to $75 and may be purchased online or at Sundin Music Hall’s box office on the pageant date. Pageant seating is limited.
For more information, visit the pageant website.
