Pa Juneteenth Pageant showcases Black Girl Magic

by Breina Burnett

The Global Leadership Academy in Southwest Philadelphia transformed into a pageant filled with Black Girl Magic on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Did you hear? Well, let me catch our readers up on the latest scoop.

Anna Bullock, Mikayla Green, Melissa Attaher, Mai’Lyn Ellis, and Maliah Simmons, all from Philadelphia, participated in the Juneteenth Pennsylvania Pageant produced by Sonni King and hosted by Saniya Gray and Nasir Leach. Each contestant shared their dreams and aspirations with confidence and showcased their unique talents with precision.

They were judged by an executive board member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE, Gary Shepherd; 67th Miss Delaware State University, Inaaya Coleman; the executive director & senior advisor for the Philadelphia Foundation, Diane Melley; Chair of the board of Heart of America, Marcia Bullard; and Ms. Independence USA 2023, Tanya Amir. Each contestant was escorted onto the stage by a father figure or a family member and greeted the judges and the audience with a signature wave of elegance. While nerves might’ve been running through the contestants on stage, support was present in the audience.

The Miss Juneteenth Pennsylvania Pageant serves as a platform that allows African American men and women to embrace their beauty and highlights them as positive role models in their community. Each contestant promoted self-confidence, self-worth, academic and community achievements, and black excellence!

Tears began to trickle down Maliha Simmons's face as she heard the host announce her as The Little Miss Juneteenth of 2023 and realized all her hard work paid off, and she had won her first pageant. Simmons is an honor-roll student at Vision Academy Charter School. The Juneteenth Pennsylvania Pageant was not the first time Simmons was on stage. She has been dancing since she was three years old in genres like Ballet, Jazz, Modern, African, Acro, Praise, and majorette. Simmons is an all-around performer, earning eight awards and three medals in dance from 2021-2023. She also featured in Philly Goats and Philly artist Lay Bankz's music video. Off the stage, she is a member of First Genesis Baptist Church in Southwest Philadelphia. In the future, Simmons plans to attend Harvard University. Anna Bullock smiled ear to ear as Miss Pennsylvania USA, Jasmine Daniels, crowned her as The Miss Juneteenth 2023. Anna Bullock is an honorroll home-schooled student. Although she experienced bullying and health challenges early on, that did not stop her from reaching for greatness and excellence. Bullock adores photography, fashion design, tennis, basketball, and more. Bullock will fulfill her fashion career at the prestigious Moore College of Art and Design in Center City with a presidential scholarship. She gains inspiration from the former Miss Juneteenth and Ruth E. Carter. Bullock plans to use the title of Miss Juneteenth Pennsylvania to spread love and to continue the Juneteenth legacy of Freedom, Equality, and Truth.

All contestants made their mark on the stage Saturday night. Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss and Little Miss Juneteenth and all of the runner-ups! Mikayla Green, Melissa Attaher, and Ma’Lyn Ellis.

The Juneteenth Pennsylvania Pageant also had special performances from the Dance for Life School of The Arts of Delaware and the World Wide Unique Stars Dance Studio of Philadelphia.