Juneteenth pageant winners announced in advance of community celebration

In advance of the Juneteenth community celebration happening Saturday, June 19, Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc. and Jammin’ 98.3 have partnered to crown this year’s Juneteenth pageant winners. The “formal” pageant was cancelled this year, but four individuals were still selected to receive the honors.

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs extenders her congratulations to all the participants, “Even though the pageant was reimaged this year, I am thrilled that there were so many applicants for the Juneteenth pageant and that we could select such deserving winners to represent Milwaukee on the 50^th anniversary of our city’s Juneteenth celebration,” she said.

This year’s Miss Juneteenth Day (ages 14-18) is Markayla Varner. First, second and third runners-up respectively are Adaobi Nnamuchi, Jadah Webb and Anyiah Lobley. Little Miss Juneteenth Day (ages 7-13) is Kalimaa Free with first and second runners-up being A’lani Rogers and Madison Donald.

Mister Juneteenth Day (ages 14-18) was given to Jonah Dixon, with first runner-up Joshua Wilder, second runner-up Shaun McFerrin and third runner-up Joshua Lyons also being recognized. Mister Juneteenth Day Junior (ages 7-13) is Ethan Myles with first and second runners-up including Aiden McFerrin and Kyron Myles.

All winners and runners-up will receive a scholarship between the amounts of $250 – $1500, and to date the event has given away nearly $80,000 in scholarships to local youth. To be eligible, youth must live in Milwaukee County or attend school in Milwaukee County, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, have an upstanding reputation in school and the community, and submitted an essay, among other requirements.

Pageant winners will be a part of the 50th annual Juneteenth Day festivities scheduled for Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. between W. Burleigh St. and W. Center St. Winners will also be recognized before the next full meeting of the Common Council on July 7^th.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.