On Saturday evening (Oct. 21), DeMia (Mia) Taylor was crowned National Miss Juneteenth 2024. Finalists from the Midwest, West, and South traveled to New Orleans for the competition, having been crowned in their respective regions. The National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program is endorsed by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF), the principal advocators for the Juneteenth National Independence Day legislation and the organization responsible for Juneteenth holiday observances in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Over the next year, Mia will serve as the Youth Ambassador for Juneteenth nationwide and worldwide.
DeMia (Mia) Taylor grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. The 18-year-old senior attends Gadsden City High School, where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average (GPA). She enjoys journaling, reading, and hair braiding. Upon graduation in May 2024, Mia plans to attend a college with a strong law program. She aims to become a contract lawyer and open her own hair business. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dyarrl Taylor and the granddaughter of renowned gospel artist Rev. Hersey Taylor Sr., Pastor of Greater Calvary Baptist Church in Gadsden for over 30 years.
“My aspiration as the reigning National Miss Juneteenth 2024 is strongly motivated by being able to give light to others. It also shows others that anything is possible as long as you strive towards it. I live by a motto: “We love each other because God loved us first.” My purpose is powered through the grace of God and being able to educate others about the importance and history of Juneteenth,” Mia exclaimed.
The National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program features descendants of the formerly enslaved, who survived their involuntary removal from Africa and benefited from the passage of the 13th amendment. The young ladies who earned their region’s recognition are knowledgeable in the history of Juneteenth with the ability to discuss the national freedom documents: The Emancipation Proclamation, General Order #3, and the 13th Amendment’s ratification, which solidified freedom after June 19, 1865. NJOF advocated for more than 25 years for the passage of the National Juneteenth Independence Day legislation, which was signed in 2021, making it only the 12th federal holiday in the country.
To book National Miss Juneteenth 2024 DeMia Taylor for interviews, appearances, speaking to youth groups, and other engagements, contact Starr Fisher at 888.509.NJOF (6563) X5. The National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.