On June 13, 15-year-old Dorothy Arnold will officially end her reign as Miss Juneteenth Wichita when she crowns her successor at the 2024 pageant at Wichita State University’s CAC Theater.
Dorothy, the daughter of Tia Allen and Jeremy Arnold, says her year reign taught her how to use her voice and share the things she is passionate about.
“During my reign, there was a certain confidence that was brought out of me that I didn’t know was there and I have learned how to truly love who I am,” Dorothy says.
Eventually, she says, she plans to start a non-profit and pursue her passion for raising awareness of suicide and how the community can do something to help prevent it.
“As someone who has lost someone to suicide I hope that my voice will be heard by someone who may be struggling mentally and show them they are not alone,” she says.
She has several points of pride for what she’s accomplished in the last year.
“I’m proud of myself for showing me that I am capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to. I’m proud of myself for not cracking under pressure and staying true to who I am in spite of it all. Lastly I am proud of myself for being an inspiration to other young ladies in my community,” she says..
To her successor she says: “I advise you to stand in your confidence and stay truly authentic to you. Hold your head up high and fix your crown, persevere, and remember you are capable of so much more than you think and you will go far.”
Seven girls are competing for the title of Miss Juneteenth Wichita 2024.
They are: (in alphabetical order)
Ke’Aasia Dickens, 17, who will be an incoming freshman at Coffeyville Community College in fall 2024;
Tamaya Gipson,18, daughter of Fiorella Dozier, a student at Wichita Northeast Magnet High School;
Tiana Hardwell, 16, daughter of Ti’Juana Hardwell and Maurice Howard, a student at Wichita Southeast High School;
Deana Holmes, 16, daughter of Dominica Galloway and Alvin Holmes, is a student at Wichita Independent School;
Ta’Lyla Lewis, 15, daughter of Chandra Lewis, is a student at Wichita Northwest High School;
Jewell Moore, 17, is a student at Wichita Northeast Magnet and
Kimora Potter, 16, daughter of Felicia Lewis and Shawn Potter, is a student at Wichita Northwest High School.
This year’s pageant will be held on Thurs., June 13 at the CAC Theater on the WSU campus. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door.
