PEORIA (25News Now) -Culture, leadership, and community pride were showcased Sunday during the fourth annual Juneteenth pageant.

The event celebrated Black excellence while giving contestants a chance to inspire others. Contestants competed for the chance to take the crown in five different categories which included Little Miss Juneteenth, Teen Miss Juneteenth, Miss Juneteenth, Mrs. Juneteenth and Mister Juneteenth. About 10 people took part in this year’s event.

Throughout the competition, contestants showcased formal wear, cultural attire, personal statements and talents inspired by this year’s theme, “The Cookout,” a celebration centered around family, tradition and togetherness.

Former Teen Miss Juneteenth Rayniah Anderson said holding events like this is important.

“To have representation for us, I think it’s a big thing because a lot of Black people get the downplay of, ‘Oh, we do too much’. To show that we have the compatibility to work with anything that we’re doing, it shows a lot,” said Anderson, who was Teen Miss Juneteenth 2025.

The winners crowned on Sunday will be featured during upcoming Juneteenth celebrations in the community.

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