Makayla Marshall claimed the Miss JuneteenthKC crown May 31, capping a 10-week journey that transformed 18 young women into ambassadors of Black excellence. The fourth annual pageant at the GEM Theater marked the program’s biggest year yet.
Marshall will represent KC at the National Miss Juneteenth Pageant in Galveston, TX, this fall. She takes home $1,000 — double last year’s prize money. Trinity Brown earned first runner-up, with Londynn Pickens as second runner-up.
Jasmyne Harris won Junior Miss JuneteenthKC for contestants ages 12-15. Janiah Smith placed as first runner-up in the junior division.
The program started in March with 28 participants, but finished with 18 young women who completed the intensive curriculum. They studied Juneteenth history, practiced public speaking, learned etiquette, and served their community through volunteer work.
“This is our biggest class that initially started with 28; we typically have 15 or 16,” says Program Director Makeda Peterson. “Life happens, and some couldn’t complete the whole program, but this is definitely our biggest, most consistent class, for sure.”
The young women toured city hall with Mayor Quinton Lucas, shared an etiquette lunch with District 3 Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, and completed mandatory community service hours. The program demands more than beauty — it builds leaders.
Judges scored contestants on evening gown presentation, creative fashion, talent, stage presence, and interview skills. Workshop attendance and community engagement also factored into final scores.
The program has grown each year since its 2022 launch. Peterson sees former contestants returning from college, creating a network of young Black women supporting each other’s success.
“We’re seeing them go off to college and coming back now, and we’re excited to see their growth,” says Peterson. “In our fourth year, more girls are getting more excited about participating.”
Marshall now begins her reign as Miss JuneteenthKC, serving as a community ambassador and role model. She will participate in school visits, community events, and prepare for the national competition that celebrates Juneteenth’s significance across the country.
