Latest news with #NorthCentralUniversity
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Miss Juneteenth crowns Minnesota's young Black queens
Six queens were crowned at the 2025 Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant on June 7. Miss Juneteenth exists to 'create a platform that will provide its Black contestants with educational, networking, and career opportunities,' according to the nonprofit. The pageant also aims to highlight the younger generation, their gifts and talents. The theme for the pageant, held at North Central University in Minneapolis, was 'Rediscovering Our Culture and Redefining Our Freedom.' The contestants competed in opening number, essay, evening gown, onstage Q&A and personal interview categories, according to a press release. They competed for scholarships and awards and were judged on poise, confidence, clarity, originality and more. 'The Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant was more than an event — it created special memories that all the contestants will remember for the rest of their lives,' Angel T. Jones, chief executive officer and founder of the pageant, said in the release. 'They bonded at pre-pageant workshops, learned about the historical significance of Juneteenth and life skills from facilitators. They are well on their way to rediscovering our culture and redefining their freedom.' This year, a new division, Madam Juneteenth, was created to highlight the talent and intelligence of contestants ages 31 to 39. The event was also a family affair as two queens from the pageant, Little Miss Juneteenth Brielle Salifu and Junior Miss Juneteenth Nyelle Salifu of Apple Valley, are sisters. The 2025 Miss Juneteenth queens are: Little Miss Juneteenth Brielle Salifu of Apple Valley (Division 1, ages six to nine) Junior Miss Juneteenth Nyelle Salifu of Apple Valley (Division 2, ages 10 to 13) Teen Miss Juneteenth Khamani Washington of St. Louis Park (Division 3, ages 14 to 18) Miss Juneteenth Jailynn Brown of Brooklyn Center (Division 4, ages 19 to 24) Ms. Juneteenth Jailyn Newton of Eden Prairie (Division 5, ages 25 to 30) Madam Juneteenth Sannia Elzia of Mendota Heights (Division 6, ages 31 to 39) 'These six queens — and all the contestants — are outstanding role models for other young people in the community,' pageant advisor Rev. William Pierce said in the announcement. 'Their intelligence, poise and character were evident to everyone attending the pageant. 'The pageant's board of advisors are honored to have witnessed the transformation over these past months as the contestants learned to embrace their diversity and understand their self-worth.' For more information, visit Keystone Community Services to bring back free summer meals program St. Paul Downtown Development Corp. seeks to acquire Alliance Bank Center In downtown St. Paul, minus a cafe, Landmark Center is 100% leased Darts welcomes new president with strong Dakota County ties New Bush Foundation Fellows include amputee, journalist, architect, more
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bella Mir, daughter of former UFC champion, booked for first MMA fight since 2022
After three years away, the daughter of a former UFC heavyweight champion is resuming her journey. Bella Mir will step in the cage for the first time in over three years on July 27 at Fury Challenger Series 14 in Houston, the promotion announced Thursday. Mir (3-0) will take on Alivia Bierley (2-1) in a women's bantamweight bout at Imagen Venues. The card will stream on UFC Fight Pass. Mir's father, Frank Mir, is a former UFC champion and one of the most notable heavyweights in the promotion's history. Mir, 22, was a 2025 U23 wrestling champion at North Central University, which she transferred to after one year at the University of Iowa, where she was an All-American. In January 2023, Mir became the first athlete ever to be signed to a UFC NIL deal. Thus far in her MMA career, Mir has yet to lose. After a unanimous decision in her pro debut at 17, Mir won back-to-back fights by first-round submission. The upcoming bout will be her first in Fury after stops in iKon Fighting Championship and Oklahoma-based Xtreme Fight Night.
CBS News
02-05-2025
- CBS News
From criminal to college graduate: here's how a Minnesota man changed his life
Here's how a Minnesota man went from career criminal, to college graduate Here's how a Minnesota man went from career criminal, to college graduate Here's how a Minnesota man went from career criminal, to college graduate Rolando Ruiz is celebrating the most important day of his life, so far. "I feel like I got another chance at life because this isn't the end, it's the beginning," said Ruiz. A new beginning for a man who entered the world behind bars. Ruiz was born at Shakopee Women's prison. As a teen, his lifestyle of drugs and crimes led him to juvenile detention and, eventually, prison. It wasn't until a judge in Scott County referred him to the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge that he was able to make a real change. "I was just getting out of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, just started my life over and was facing 130 months in prison because of my extensive criminal history," said Ruiz. But this time, he had a mentor and father figure in former police officer, lawyer and current appeals court judge Kevin Ross. "I saw in him already a passion to turn his life around," said Ross. That passion led to the chance of a lifetime. In 2021, Ruiz became the first recipient of the George Floyd Scholarship at North Central University. "Got into North Central, it was the beginning of a journey. To be honest, I didn't think that I was going to make it," said Ruiz. "I didn't think that I was built for it but God had different plans. It turns out, I wasn't built for it, but he built me up to be made for it." Ruiz took his story on the road, speaking to youth groups, organizations, anyone who would listen. "I find power in people finding the message in my story," he said. He has now changed the trajectory of the lives of hundreds of young people, something he says is a path that was chosen for him. "I'm feeling thankful, grateful, excited, but also feel a sense of accountability and responsibility because I know all the hard work that went into it. There are people who are watching me, and I can't fail," Ruiz said. With family and close friends in attendance, Ruiz accomplished what he set out to do. He hopes his life story is a lesson for anyone who is struggling. "You can't get help around the same environment that hurt you. Step outside your environment, ask questions, reach out to people you will find out just how much help there is," said Ruiz. Ruiz is a new homeowner and works as a consultant for an athletic performance brand. He hopes to continue working with young people to better their lives.
