For Immediate Release

Contact: National Miss Juneteenth Committee

Info@NationalMissJuneteenth.com

888.509.6563

 

First National Miss Juneteenth Makes History

 

(Las Vegas) Saniya Gay, Miss Juneteenth Delaware was crowned the 1st National Miss Juneteenth in Memphis, TN.  National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) affiliates from across the country were present for the first national gathering. First runner up was Miss Juneteenth Nevada – Aniyah Brown and Second runner up was Miss Juneteenth Florida- Helena Chambers. Dr. C. Sade Turnipseed, Jackson State University hosted the event. Stylist Silver Reid representing Giorgio Amani and Yves Saint Laurent was the official makeup consultant. Judges for the evening were Memphis City Council Chairwoman Patrice Jordan Robinson,  Bettina Key

Director of Sales, Comfort Inn Downtown and Mrs. Charlotte Williams, member of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation.

 

Saniya states: “I pride myself in being a natural leader, a creative problem solver and a great communicator. These are all qualities that I believe are the characteristics the National Juneteenth Queen should possess. The attributes I can bring to the program are great interpersonal skills, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

 

Their visit to Memphis included a tour of the Civil Rights Museum and the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum under the guidance of The Bully the Bull Foundation. The young ladies stopped off to support the Encourage The Vote! press conference held at the Mississippi Boulevard Church, hosted by Shelby County Commissioner Van D. Turner, Jr.  Attending the National Miss Juneteenth event, and crowning the queen, was 94 year old Ms. Opal Lee who presented 1.5 million signatures to the U.S. Congress for recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day.