We empower young women of color through education and mentorship, rooted in the rich history and enduring spirit of Juneteenth. We cultivate self-identity, confidence, and cultural awareness, celebrating Black excellence and community impact. Our program is a beacon of inspiration, guiding participants towards personal growth, historical knowledge, and community leadership.
We are creating innovative ways to teach youth about Juneteenth and the African American Experience, highlighting Juneteenth's Origins and the role that Virginia played in the "Stoy of Us." Our 15-session workshops were developed to not only honor our rich history but also actively shape the future of our participants and community through engagement, education, and empowerment.
The Statewide Miss Juneteenth Legacy Pageant stands as a cornerstone event in Virginia, intertwining the story of emancipation and the enduring significance of Juneteenth with the aspirations of today's young urban women. This pageant is more than a competition; it's a cultural celebration and a re-affirmation of a powerful journey from the past to the present.
Your involvement is the key to bridging communities and creating a lasting impact on our youth. Sponsors, donors, and volunteers play a crucial role in the Miss Juneteenth Virginia Legacy Program, providing essential support that enables us to empower and uplift the next generation.
Hey Queens!
Welcome to the Miss Juneteenth Virginia Legacy Pageantâ„¢
– a celebration of resilience, diversity, and infinite magic.
Welcome to a journey through history and heritage with the #DefyTheOdds Mentorship Program and Miss Juneteenth Virginia Legacy Pageant. At the forefront of our nation's narrative is Juneteenth, a day that announced the end of slavery in Texas and has since evolved into a nationwide symbol of freedom and reflection. Central to the story of Emancipation is Virginia, a state with profound historical significance in this transformative era.
Virginia's role in the path to freedom is undeniable. It was here, in 1619, that the first documented enslaved Africans arrived on American shores aboard the White Lion, a British pirate ship posing as Dutch. This momentous event in Virginia laid the groundwork for what would become a nationwide struggle for emancipation. The state's influence continued throughout the Civil War, especially at Old Point Comfort (now Fort Monroe) in Hampton, where significant strides toward emancipation were made.
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In the present day, the Miss Juneteenth Virginia Legacy Program, in partnership with the Miss Juneteenth USA national pageant program, is more than a pageant; it's a beacon of mentorship and empowerment. We take pride in educating urban youth about our collective story – the "Story of Us." Our program celebrates and amplifies the strengths, talents, and accomplishments within the African American community. We are committed to educating, elevating, and empowering the youth of Black America. Our goal is to inspire them to unleash their potential and contribute to a future that is rich in shared success and prosperity.
2024-2025
MEET MISS & JR. MISS JUNETEENTH
Virginia
-HOME GROWN EXCELLENCE
Miss Faith Robinson, Miss Juneteenth Virginia
Faith Robinson, a graduate of Warhill High School in historic Williamsburg, VA, proudly holds the title of Miss Juneteenth Virginia 2024-2025. In this esteemed role, she represents the enduring legacy of Juneteenth, using her platform to inspire and uplift her community. Faith is deeply committed to empowering young minds through mentorship and music to help others realize their full potential. Through her leadership and dedication, she continues to honor the significance of Juneteenth, ensuring that the spirit of freedom and excellence is celebrated and preserved for future generations.
Miss Alana Walker, Inaugural Jr. Miss Juneteenth Virginia
Alana Leah Walker, a 7th grader at Norfolk Academy, proudly holds the title of the Inaugural Jr. Miss Juneteenth Virginia Queen. As a passionate advocate for women's rights, she is committed to using her platform to challenge stereotypes and dismantle gender-related myths, particularly those affecting young girls and women. Through her initiatives, Alana aims to empower her peers to embrace their worth and potential. Her goals are to inspire others and foster a culture of empowerment and equality.
Virginia's Inaugural Queen & Reigning
Miss Juneteenth USA 2023-2024
The Crown Jewel of the Commonwealth
Sunshine Huggins, the Inaugural Miss Juneteenth Virginia Queen, has graduated from Smithfield High School and is now embarking on an exciting journey as a freshman at Norfolk State University. BEHOLD! She plans to major in music and minor in entrepreneurship, blending her passion for the arts with a drive for innovation. Sunshine is a powerful advocate for truth, nature, and mental wellness, particularly for youth across the Commonwealth. Her belief that Virginia should be "front and center" for Juneteenth initiatives is rooted in the state's rich history, including the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation under the Emancipation Oak in Hampton, VA.
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In October 2023, Sunshine proudly represented Virginia at the National Miss Juneteenth USA Scholarship Pageant, where she captured the crown, becoming the reigning National Miss Juneteenth USA Title Winner. We are immensely proud of Sunshine and eagerly await the magic she will bring to the world as she continues to elevate Virginia's role in Emancipation, Juneteenth Commemoration, and the shared histories of the "Story of Us."
"Decisions We Make Today Dictate How We Will Live Tomorrow."
At the Miss Juneteenth Virginia Legacy Program, we firmly believe in the power of choice and its lasting impact on our futures. By joining our program, young girls are not just participating in an event; they are stepping into a world of opportunity, education, and empowerment. Every session, workshop, and mentorship moment is a building block for a brighter, more confident tomorrow.
Join us in this journey of growth and empowerment, where every decision is a step towards a promising future.
#DEFYTHEODDS
Step into a world of empowerment with the #DefyTheOdds Mentorship Program, a pivotal element of the Miss Juneteenth Virginia experience. Kicking off with 'Juneteenth 101: The Story of Us', this initiative is more than just a workshop series – it's a transformative journey. Designed to equip participants with invaluable tools to prepare them to overcome any challenges that they may face in their futures. Through a blend of historical wisdom and modern skills, the program fosters resilience, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose. Each participant emerges not only more knowledgeable about their culture but also empowered to chart their own paths of success and #Defy ANY Odds that they may endure.
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Cultural Awareness
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Financial Literacy
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Expression of the Arts
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Economic Empowerment
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Mental Health Resilience
...and more​
$150
5K+
TOTAL DONATIONS RAISED
SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT
300
15
7K+
299
MENTORSHIP
HOURS
WORKSHOPS
TOTAL WEBSITE VISITORS
COUNTDOWN TO THE JUNETEENTH CROWN
AND GROWING
"Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own. Be proud of your story, your struggles, and your triumphs. Tell it with your head held high."
- Michelle Obama
Cultivating Confidence and Community: Celebrating Black Excellence through Education & Mentorship
In the heart of our mission at the Miss Juneteenth Virginia Legacy Program lies a commitment to nurturing self-identity and bolstering self-confidence. Our educational initiatives go beyond academics, delving into the rich tapestry of Black history and culture, thus fostering a deep sense of cultural awareness and pride.
Participating in our program is more than an achievement—it's an affirmation of every participant's unique strengths and potential. Here, we celebrate each girl's journey towards self-realization and confidence, all while honoring the legacy of Juneteenth, and the vibrant historical value from Virginia that authors the "Story of Us."
"Crowning Legacy: A Sisterhood of Strength and Empowerment"
This powerful image beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood, legacy, and the passing of the torch within the Juneteenth community. Pictured are three queens—Virginia’s Inaugural Miss Juneteenth - Sunshine Huggins, the current 2024-2025 Miss Juneteenth Virginia -Faith Robinson, and the Inaugural Jr. Miss Juneteenth Virginia, -Alana Walker—engaged in a symbolic moment of crowning. Each crown represents more than just a title; it embodies the unity, empowerment, and resilience that these young women stand for.
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As one queen crowns another, it signifies the continuity of leadership, the nurturing of shared values, and the commitment to uplifting each generation. It also reminds us that our legacy is carried forward through the bonds of sisterhood, mentorship, and a shared purpose. The grace, confidence, and poise reflected in their expressions tell a story of empowerment—a story where young women are not just celebrated for their accomplishments but for the impact they have on their communities and the paths they are paving for future generations.
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This powerful rendition is a visual narrative of empowerment, cultural pride, and the promise that the torch of excellence will continue to burn brightly.
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This moment stands as a powerful testament to the unshakable bonds of sisterhood—a connection that transcends crowns and titles, symbolizing the continuous uplift, support, and shared purpose that ensure our legacy endures through every generation.
Get Your Limited Edition 2024 Miss Juneteenth Virginia Souvenir Magazine!
Relive the magic and celebrate the legacy of the 2024 Miss Juneteenth Virginia Pageant with this stunning, full-color, 68-page keepsake magazine. Featuring exclusive highlights of the participants, stories that honor our heritage, and powerful imagery that captures the spirit of Juneteenth in Virginia, this is more than a magazine—it's a piece of history.
For just $35 (including shipping), secure your copy and hold on to a timeless treasure. Supplies are limited, so don’t miss your chance to own a part of Virginia’s Juneteenth legacy. Order now and experience the pride, excellence, and empowerment that define this incredible event!
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**Order Today—While Supplies Last!**
