Newsmakers: Plymouth Woman Named Inaugural First Lady Juneteenth Minnesota

A Plymouth woman was crowned First Lady Juneteenth Minnesota at the statewide Miss Juneteenth Minnesota pageant. Zina Alston Fizer is the first-ever winner of the age 40+ division at the annual pageant.

It’s been a busy two weeks for Alston Fizer. She and eight others were crowned Juneteenth royalty on June 6. Since then, she’s been busy with events throughout the Twin Cities.

“Miss Juneteenth Minnesota is designed to recognize the very holiday Juneteenth and what its significance is still to this day,” Alston Fizer said.

Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Specifically, it marks the day when federal troops arrived in Texas to ensure all enslaved people in the state were free, according to a History.com article. This came over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

“Black people were delayed and denied freedom for two years, that’s where Juneteenth originated from,” Alston Fizer said. “We still need to know why this was commemorated as a holiday. That’s why Miss Juneteenth Minnesota is so important.”

Zina Alston Fizer (second from the right) stands alongside the other Mr. and Miss Juneteenth winners. The winners were crowned on June 6.

Brooklyn Center’s Jailynn Brown was crowned Miss Juneteenth last year.

The youngest Miss Juneteenth Minnesotas start at age 6, and each category goes up from there. Alston Fizer said she’s honored to be the first to represent her age group in the 40+ category. It was something she didn’t realize she could do and hopes other women take part in in the future.

“A lot of older  women may think that their best years are behind them. This opportunity gives me the platform to say: ‘No, your best years could be in front of you!'” Alston Fizer said. 

It was also the first year for boys and men to participate with Mister and Mr. Juneteenth. Winners from all categories came from throughout the Twin Cities area.

“You’re going to see the royal court throughout the Twin Cities in the next couple of days into the next month. Just come out and support and learn about the holiday, and learn why it’s so significant for everyone. Not just Black people, but everyone,” Alston Fizer said.

There are a variety of ways to honor Juneteenth in the Twin Cities this weekend. Locally, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center are hosting a golf tournament at 6 p.m. on June 19, and a celebration from 1-4 p.m. on June 20. More details are available on their websites.

Plymouth