On April 26 at Spokane Community College, eight young women stepped into their power through confidence, oration, creative expression, and a shared celebration of identity and liberation. The inaugural 2025 Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant – coordinated by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center alongside a dedicated committee and volunteers – was not just a pageant, but a moment of unity, vision, and cultural pride.
The presence and passion of the community served as a powerful reminder that celebrations like this are not only about honoring Black excellence, heritage, and sisterhood, but also about collective solidarity. Juneteenth is more than a date – it is a living symbol of our struggle, our resilience, and our shared pursuit of liberation. This theme echoes across communities and generations, reminding us that true freedom is a collective journey.
The 2025 Miss Juneteenth Slate of Candidates
Anesu Whacha: Miss Juneteenth, Shadle Park High School
Mwajuma Ishibaleka: 1st Runner Up, Lewis and Clark High School
Daniella Musesambili: 2nd Runner Up, Shadle Park High School
Makayla Roberson: Lewis and Clark High School
Ovionna Williams: Lewis and Clark High School
Genae Langford: Ferris High School
Auda Muneza: North Central High School
Mya Jefferson: West Valley High School