Alabama Native DeMia Taylor Crowned National Miss Juneteenth 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Saturday evening (Oct. 21), DeMia (Mia) Taylor was crowned National Miss Juneteenth 2024. Finalists from the Midwest, West, and South traveled to New Orleans for the competition, having been crowned in their respective regions. The National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program is endorsed by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF), the principal advocators for the Juneteenth National Independence Day legislation and the organization responsible for Juneteenth holiday observances in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Over the next year, Mia will serve as the Youth Ambassador for Juneteenth nationwide and worldwide. 

DeMia (Mia) Taylor grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. The 18-year-old senior attends Gadsden City High School, where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average (GPA). She enjoys journaling, reading, and hair braiding. Upon graduation in May 2024, Mia plans to attend a college with a strong law program. She aims to become a contract lawyer and open her own hair business. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dyarrl Taylor and the granddaughter of renowned gospel artist Rev. Hersey Taylor Sr., Pastor of Greater Calvary Baptist Church in Gadsden for over 30 years.

“My aspiration as the reigning National Miss Juneteenth 2024 is strongly motivated by being able to give light to others. It also shows others that anything is possible as long as you strive towards it. I live by a motto: “We love each other because God loved us first.” My purpose is powered through the grace of God and being able to educate others about the importance and history of Juneteenth,” Mia exclaimed.

Samantha Neyland Trumbo served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Pagaent. An Army brat, Samantha has lived all over the world, spending most of her childhood in Spain, Japan, and Hawaii. Samantha later credited her adaptability as one of the strengths that helped her win the Miss Hawaii Teen USA title. After serving as the first Black woman to represent Hawaii at Miss Teen USA, Samantha moved to Los Angeles, where she became a working actress and model. She returned to Hawaii to compete for Miss Hawaii USA. At the 2020 pageant, Samantha received the highest score in every category: Interview, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown, and once again became the first Black woman to win the coveted title. Prior to placing in the Top 10 at Miss USA, Samantha launched Hawaii for Juneteenth, a nonprofit coalition responsible for passing legislation that made Juneteenth an official day of observance in the State of Hawaii. 

Starr Fisher is the Director of the National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program. National Miss Juneteenth 2024 Mia Taylor is under the Directorship of Brenda Paige Ward, the NJOF Juneteenth State Director of Alabama for 8 years.

The National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program features descendants of the formerly enslaved, who survived their involuntary removal from Africa and benefited from the passage of the 13th amendment. The young ladies who earned their region’s recognition are knowledgeable in the history of Juneteenth with the ability to discuss the national freedom documents: The Emancipation Proclamation, General Order #3, and the 13th Amendment’s ratification, which solidified freedom after June 19, 1865. NJOF advocated for more than 25 years for the passage of the National Juneteenth Independence Day legislation, which was signed in 2021, making it only the 12th federal holiday in the country. 

Meet The Finalists 

First Runner-Up: Nayla Nahdee-Arnett (Home State: Michigan)

Nayla Nahdee-Arnett was born in Windsor, Ontario, in 2005 and has spent her life in Macomb, Michigan, reaching for the stars. Watching her community fall apart from a young age caused her to want to make a change. Using her voice to empower Black students across her school district through the Black Student Union is one of her many passions. Nayla graduated from Chippewa Valley High School in hopes of becoming a successful entrepreneur and a role model to young Black women. Pageantry has become more than a competition of beauty and achievement to her; it has now become a pathway for all young women to follow. 

Jania E’lise Cormier (Home State: Louisiana)

Fifteen-year-old Jania E’lise Cormier currently attends Lafayette Christian Academy, where she plays volleyball and basketball and also has done some cheerleading. With a love of helping others, Jania has been a Beta Club member for 6 years, volunteered to feed the homeless, helped with the elderly at nursing homes, and worked with Down syndrome kids. Upon graduation, she plans on attending college to get a degree in nursing to become a registered nurse or a doctor. Jania says, “As the 2023 Miss Juneteenth Queen in Lafayette, Louisiana. it gives me the opportunity to represent my community. This will also help me spread information about the Juneteenth holiday on different social media platforms and speak about its history and significance to different communities. Doing this can change a lot of perspectives.” She is the daughter of Lisa and Jonah Cormier of Lafayette, Louisiana. 

Eddye-Nyiel Pitts (Home State: Nevada) 

Eddye-Nyiel Pitts is a locally known entrepreneur and professional dancer. She graduated from Las Vegas Academy of the Arts as a dance major in 2023 with a 3.5 GPA. Having a strong desire to volunteer and give back, Eddye-Nyiel actively participates as a Girl Scout Ambassador and volunteers at UNLV Women’s Clinic, Food Banks, Americorp, Springs Preserve, Discovery Children’s Museum, and various other organizations. She also serves on the Girl Scout Media Committee, making guest appearances on radio, news stations, billboards, and many more. She excels in leadership roles and, prior to graduating, was elected as the Black Student Union President (BSU) during the school year, representing all Black students at her school. As BSU President, Eddye-Nyiel invited Black Leaders from the community to speak on campus, providing students with knowledge, resources, scholarships, and HBCU tours. Eddye-Ny’iel will be attending Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Mass Media Arts with a minor in law to bring diversity to the industry and amplify the voices of those who look like her. 

To book National Miss Juneteenth 2024 DeMia Taylor for interviews, appearances, speaking to youth groups, and other engagements, contact Starr Fisher at 888.509.NJOF (6563) X5. The National Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit. Donations are accepted here.

Photos: Ernest Lowery