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 and adults 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.

inaugural miss Juneteenth / jr. advisor

Angel T. Jones

FOUNDER/CEO/Director

OUR MISSION

More Than a Pageant. A Movement. A Legacy.

The Miss & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota Organization is not a traditional pageant that simply offers workshops, it is a year-round leadership, life skills, and youth development program that culminates in the crowning of Minnesota's next generation of leaders.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are redefining pageantry by transforming it into a platform for leadership, mental wellness, cultural pride, educational achievement, and generational change. Our mission is to equip Black youth, teens, and adults with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed through leadership development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, public speaking, civic engagement, wellness education, and community service.

Unlike traditional pageants that focus primarily on competition, Miss & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota invests in the personal, academic, professional, and emotional growth of every participant. We provide safe, culturally affirming spaces where young women and men build confidence, resilience, strong character, and leadership while overcoming real-life challenges and developing the skills to thrive.

Our program also challenges outdated stereotypes and redefines the narrative of Black excellence by developing scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders who lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. By reconnecting participants to the rich history and enduring legacy of Juneteenth, we cultivate cultural pride, civic responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

We do not simply crown Queens and Kings, we develop leaders, strengthen families, build communities, and empower the next generation to break barriers, redefine expectations, and create lasting change across Minnesota and beyond.