OUR former st paul mayor melvin carter speaks about miss Juneteenth mn, our history & culture.

OUR Vision

Our vision is to empower the next generation of Black leaders by developing confident, purpose-driven young women and young men who embrace their heritage, recognize their self-worth, and lead with courage, integrity, and excellence.

We provide a safe, supportive, and culturally affirming space where youth can overcome anxiety, depression, insecurities, and social challenges through mentorship, leadership development, education, and public speaking. By fostering resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of identity, we are building a lasting sisterhood and brotherhood that empowers every participant to rise above adversity, create positive change, and preserve the legacy of Juneteenth for generations to come.

OUR MISSION

The Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization transforming pageantry into a powerful movement for leadership, mental wellness, cultural pride, and generational change. Our mission is to equip Black youth with the tools, resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed through education, leadership development, financial literacy, career exploration, community service, healthy living, and workforce readiness.

The Miss & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant and Life Skills Program is far more than a competition—it is a year-round leadership and wellness initiative that addresses the unique social and emotional challenges facing Black youth. We provide safe, affirming, and culturally responsive spaces where young women and young men can openly confront anxiety, depression, insecurities, trauma, and the pressures they face while building confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity.

Through mentorship, public speaking, life skills training, wellness education, and scholarship opportunities, participants develop the character, discipline, and leadership skills needed to become successful students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. By reconnecting youth to the history, significance, and enduring legacy of Juneteenth, we cultivate pride, purpose, and a commitment to uplifting future generations.

We are not simply crowning titleholders, we are developing confident leaders, strengthening families, improving community well-being, and empowering the next generation to break barriers, lead with excellence, and create lasting change across Minnesota and beyond.