Genesis Blunt has been crowned Miss Juneteenth 2026, earning the top honor during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation’s Sixth Annual Miss Juneteenth Cultural Scholarship Pageant held June 20 at the Salem Centre.
The pageant, themed “Crowned in Legacy,” celebrated Black history, culture and leadership while providing scholarship opportunities for young women ages 13-18. Contestants competed in essay writing, interview, cultural legacy showcase, talent and formal wear categories, each highlighting the lives and contributions of influential Black women who continue to inspire future generations.
“Each contestant demonstrated grace, intelligence, confidence, and creativity,” said Foundation President Gary Thomas. “The performances were the finest I have witnessed in six years of the competition.”
Blunt, a senior at Jean Ribault High School, impressed judges and the audience with her saxophone performance and essay honoring Elvira Louise Redd, an American jazz alto saxophone player, vocalist and educator known for her blues-style performances beginning in the 1950s.
Her victory earned her a scholarship and the opportunity to represent the organization at the Miss Juneteenth Florida, USA competition Aug. 1 in Orlando. The Florida winner will advance to the national pageant in Mobile, Alabama.
Beyond the stage, Blunt is a scholar, entrepreneur, musician and community advocate. As First Chair Alto Saxophone Section Leader in her school’s band, she has developed leadership skills and a passion for using music to inspire others. She also enjoys gardening, caring for her chickens and serving her community.
Blunt’s platform, food sustainability, reflects her commitment to addressing food insecurity. She is the founder and CEO of Garden to Table Experience, an initiative focused on agriculture, education and community engagement. Through gardening projects, food distributions and youth outreach, she works to promote sustainability and healthy living.
One of her first responsibilities as Miss Juneteenth was organizing a food giveaway, putting her platform into action and demonstrating the service-centered leadership the title represents.
Joining Blunt on the Senior Division court were Dana Jennings, Miss 1865; Jhi’Nema Philyaw, Miss Sankofa; and Laila Brown, Miss Onyx.
In the Junior Division, Jordan Stewart was crowned Junior Miss Juneteenth 2026, followed by E’yani Varnedoe, Cherish Akakatang and Moriah Myrick.
Special recognitions included the Umoja Spirit Award presented to Laila Brown, the Imani Spirit Award presented to Jhi’Nema Philyaw, and the Nia Spirit Award presented to Genesis Blunt.
The annual Miss Juneteenth Cultural Scholarship Pageant remains one of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation’s signature programs, emphasizing education, cultural pride, leadership development and community service among young women throughout Northeast Florida.