19-02-2025
Honoring Black History: Catching up with Peoria's Juneteenth Queens
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Peoria's Miss Juneteenth Alynceia Boyce and Miss Teen Juneteenth Ameana Monet came to WMBD News at 4 to share what has been rewarding about their experience during their reign and how they're working to leave a legacy in the community.
Monet is currently pursuing a healthcare career.
'I currently work at a nursing home. I enjoy seeing them and seeing that I can make their day by the little things that I do,' she said. 'Healthcare is really easy. You just have to have a passion for it.'
Boyce runs a mentoring program called Sunflower Mentoring Services. The focus is to empower individuals through mentorship.
'Really focusing on finding our divine purpose in this world and learning to come together with other young women and embrace each other,' Boyce said.
2024 Miss Juneteenth Peoria Pageant Winners | Good Day Central Illinois
Monet and Boyce hold the inaugural titles for Peoria's Miss Juneteenth pageants. They have found their reign to be gratifying as they look to inspire people in their community.
'I'm a community servant at heart,' said Boyce. 'Just being able to use the Miss Juneteenth platform to bring awareness and to encourage younger individuals and middle-aged women to run for Miss Juneteenth.'
'Being the age that I am, I just want to be a role model to everyone around me. It's also helped me gain my confidence,' said the teen queen.
Applications for the 2025 Miss Juneteenth Pageant open on March 1.
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