More Than a Crown: Juneteenth Pageant Builds Confidence, Culture and Community

For Junior Miss Juneteenth winner Rhenia McHam, winning a crown was meaningful. But the confidence she gained along the way may have been even more important.

“It feels good because I was in another pageant and I didn’t win,” she said after being crowned. “This one made me feel more confident. I want other girls to be themselves and be nice to their mom.”

McHam’s experience reflects the mission behind the Annual Juneteenth Pageant, which was held June 7 at the Ballard Convention Center in Madisonville, KY.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by family members Roneshia Evans, Melissa Igbinigie and Faye Clark, the pageant was created to provide a meaningful Juneteenth celebration while challenging traditional definitions of beauty. Committee member Tia Roach also helped organize this year’s event.

Unlike many traditional pageants, participants are not judged on physical appearance. Instead, judges focus on confidence, presentation and attire, with organizers encouraging families to use clothing they already own rather than purchasing expensive outfits.

“This is not a beauty contest,” Evans said in a previous interview with Our Times. “We want participants to represent themselves, their heritage, their resilience and their culture.”

That mission was evident throughout the evening, as contestants walked the runway confidently, showcasing their personalities. Participants were grouped by gender and age across five categories: Mini Miss and Mini Mister Juneteenth, Little Miss and Little Mister Juneteenth, Junior Miss Juneteenth, Miss Juneteenth, and Lady Juneteenth. Beyond recognition for how they looked, participants were also judged by their gifts, talents, achievements, character and future aspirations.

The event also incorporated education on the holiday, with opportunities for attendees to answer questions about Juneteenth and its significance. Evans said helping young people understand and celebrate the history remains a central part of the pageant’s purpose.

For Shania Wilson, the mother of Jr. Miss Juneteenth, the overall experience was more meaningful than the competition.  “Being in the pageant has been good for both of my girls,” she said. “We didn’t really have an opportunity to prep, but they came, participated and worked well with the other girls. It encouraged teamwork and building relationships.”

The judges for the competition represented a variety of professional and community backgrounds: Akendra Patterson, Melinda Thomas, and Tejianna Saxton evaluated contestants based on confidence, poise and presentation. Reinforcing the broader goal of the pageant.

Since its debut with just nine participants, the pageant has continued to grow, attracting families from across Kentucky and neighboring states, including Tennessee and Missouri. Growing up in a rural community where narrow beauty standards often prevailed, Evans said it was important to create a space where children of all skin tones, hair textures and body types feel welcomed and celebrated. “We want every participant to know they are beautiful just the way they are,” she said.

For one young winner, that message appears to have resonated. McHam left the Juneteenth Pageant with something more lasting than a title-a greater sense of confidence in herself and a message of encouragement for other young girls to do the same.

2026 Juneteenth Pageant Winners

Mini Miss Juneteenth—Jenesis Woods

Mini Mister Juneteenth— Amerey Minor

Little Miss Juneteenth—Rakensie Wilson

Little Mister Juneteenth—Yoel McCarley

Junior Miss Juneteenth—Rhenia McHam

Miss Juneteenth— Aarian Williams

Lady Juneteenth—Claudaija Buckner