Brooklyn Center Woman Crowned Miss Juneteenth Minnesota
A Brooklyn Center woman is celebrating a crowning achievement, and now she hopes to inspire others.
“This crown and sash means responsibility, making sure I show a good face to all those young kids out there and being a good role model out there for all those girls,” said Jailynn Brown, 24, the newly-crowned Miss Juneteenth Minnesota.
The Brooklyn Center resident earned the title on June 9 in Minneapolis at the second annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant.
Prior to the pageant, Brown and more than 30 other contestants took part in workshops to learn life skills, financial literacy, how to walk in heels and the historical significance of Juneteenth.
The six new Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant Queens. Jailynn Brown (center) is in red.
Brown said the experience helped her create a special bond with the other young women.
“Out of this whole experience I was able to create sisters and make sisters,” Brown said. “Literally after this, I told my mom, ‘I was like mom, I think I adopted some sisters into this pageant, and I just want to let you know you have more kids now.'”
A total of six ladies from different age divisions were crowned on Saturday:
- Division 1: Ages 6 to 9 – Little Miss Juneteenth: Brielle Salifu, Apple Valley
- Division 2: Ages 10 to 13 – Junior Miss Juneteenth: Nyelle Salifu, Apple Valley
- Division 3: Ages 14 to 18 – Teen Miss Juneteenth: Khamani Washington, St. Louis Park
- Division 4: Ages 19 to 24 – Miss Juneteenth: Jailynn Brown, Brooklyn Center
- Division 5: Ages 25 to 30 – Ms. Juneteenth: Jailyn Newton, Eden Prairie
- Division 6: Ages 31 to 39 – Madam Juneteenth: Sannia Elzia, Mendota Heights
Contestants were judged on categories such as opening number, evening gown and onstage question & answer.
Related: Maple Grove’s Juneteenth Celebration is Thursday, June 19
