"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"

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3rd Annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant Expands to Introduce “Mister & Mr. Juneteenth MN 2026.”

"Rediscovering Our Culture and Redefining Our Freedom"
 

​MINNEAPOLIS, MN - More than thirty Black girls, women, boys, and young men from across Minnesota are preparing to make history as they compete in the 3rd Annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant, a groundbreaking cultural leadership experience rooted in empowerment, freedom, and community excellence.
 

​As our contestants continue their journey toward “Rediscovering Our Culture and Redefining Our Freedom,” the organization proudly announces a historic expansion for 2026: the official introduction of Mister & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota, creating new opportunities to uplift and celebrate young Black men ages 10–24, and our newly established Division 7 First Lady Juneteenth Minnesota, honoring women ages 40 and up who carry the Ambassador role with distinction.
 

​The 2026 pageant week will feature three signature events:
 

​2026 Pageant Week Events
 

1. Private Kings Ceremony For:
Mister & Mr. Juneteenth Minnesota Speech Presentation & Miss Juneteenth MN - On Stage Question and Physical Fitness Competition 

Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Doors Open at 6 pm)

Courtyard Marriott St. Louis Park
9980 Wayzata Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55426

A private and powerful celebration honoring our Kings and their leadership journey.

 

2. Juneteenth Dinner & Community Celebration on Stillwater River Boat Ride

Friday, June 5, 2026, | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Arrival at 5:30 pm, Please Be On Time)
525 South Main Street, Stillwater, MN 55082

Join contestants, families, friends, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of connection, joy, dancing, food, and celebration featuring DJ Layz T.

 

3. Main Event: Miss Juneteenth MN State Pageant Introduces Mister & Mr. Juneteenth MN

(Miss & Mr. Juneteenth Gets Crowned)

Saturday, June 6, 2026
North Central University - Trask Worship Center

1400 Elliot Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Downtown Minneapolis Campus

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This historic statewide celebration is open to the public, and tickets are now on sale.

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Theme & Leadership Vision

The 2026 pageant, themed “Rediscovering Our Culture and Redefining Our Freedom,” will feature pageant ceremony emcees Seanna Johnson and Shakirah Edwards, alongside a distinguished panel of community leaders serving as volunteer judges.

Organizers say the pageant’s vision is to inspire participants to become confident public speakers, embrace their diversity, strengthen their self-worth, and gain poise while learning the origins and significance of Juneteenth.

“We built upon the success of our inaugural pageant, and this year’s event introduces exciting new elements,” said Angel T. Jones, Founder and CEO. “Our contestants are making history through their participation. This is not simply a pageant; it is a movement and leadership pipeline for our community.”

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Scholarships, Awards & Competition Categories

Contestants compete for scholarships, awards, gifts, and prizes through categories including:​

·       Essay

·       Gown Competition

·       Onstage Question & Answer

·       DaMaris Jones Talent Competition

·       Physical Fitness

·       Miss Photogenic (People's Choice)

·       Opening Number

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Judging criteria are available on the official website.

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2026 Divisions

Women’s Divisions

·       Division 1: Little Miss Juneteenth MN (Ages 6–9)

·       Division 2: Jr. Miss Juneteenth MN (Ages 10–13)

·       Division 3: Teen Miss Juneteenth MN (Ages 14–18)

·       Division 4: Miss Juneteenth MN (Ages 19–24)

·       Division 5: Ms. Juneteenth MN (Ages 25–30)

·       Division 6: Madam Juneteenth MN (Ages 31–39)

·       Division 7: First Lady Juneteenth MN (Ages 40 & Up)

 

New Male Divisions​

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·       Division 1: Mister Juneteenth MN (Ages 10–17)

·       Division 2: Mr. Juneteenth MN (Ages 18–24)

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Mission-Driven Leadership & Wellness Pipeline

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The Miss & Mr. Juneteenth MN program is not a traditional pageant; it is a culturally rooted nonprofit leadership and wellness pipeline designed to uplift underprivileged Black communities through empowerment, education, and opportunity.

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Core programming includes:​

·       Life Skills Workshops (leadership, modeling, etiquette, communication, financial literacy)

·       Mental Health & Wellness Education

·       CPR and Safety Training (self-defense)

·       Mentorship & Youth Development (behavior, manners, discipline, and your brand)

·       Cultural Education on Juneteenth History (black studies)

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In recognition of this historic statewide initiative, Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan presented certificates to our newest winners, honoring them as royalty and cultural ambassadors.

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​Tickets & Information

Tickets range from $20 to $90 and may be purchased online or at the door. Seating is limited.

For tickets, sponsors, photos, and more information:
🌐 www.MissJuneteenthMN.org
📞 763-226-8457
📧 info@missjuneteenthmn.org

 

About Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant

Founder & Executive Director: Angel Tyree Jones
Angel Tyree Jones is the visionary leader behind Minnesota’s first-ever Juneteenth-centered pageant and life-skills development pipeline dedicated to empowering Black youth and families through cultural pride, leadership, wellness, and freedom.