in the news

Join the Miss Juneteenth ENC Pageant

New Bern, NC — A powerful celebration of heritage, empowerment, and leadership returns this summer as the Miss Juneteenth ENC Pageant takes the stage on June 21st 2025. Founded and hosted by Valentina Wilson, respected news anchor and founder of Valentina Wilson’s Teen Fashion Academy, this signature community event honors the legacy of Juneteenth by spotlighting young women of color and their journey toward self-confidence and leadership.

learn more about the event

Now in its annual tradition, the Miss Juneteenth ENC Pageant is more than a showcase of beauty, it’s a platform where purpose, pride, and personal growth take center stage. Through a combination of public speaking, fashion, and community involvement, contestants are empowered to use their voices, tell their stories, and step into leadership roles with grace and intention.

This year’s event will also feature a special fashion showcase presented by Teen Fashion Academy, where participants will model culturally inspired designs that celebrate the rich heritage and diversity of Eastern North Carolina. It’s a visual tribute to tradition, style, and self-expression a moment that beautifully blends fashion with meaning.

For us ( husband-and-wife media duo Christian & Erica Pleasant hosts of Keeping Up With the Coast), this event holds deep personal significance. Our daughter was crowned Miss Teen Spokesmodel at last year’s 2024 pageant, a defining moment that underscored the value of platforms like these in building confidence and community connection.

We watched her walk across that stage with strength and pride. It was more than a pageant. Events like this are where confidence is born and legacies are shaped. She struggled with public speaking, but participating in this event helped her to step out of her shell.

As founders of Keeping Up With the Coast (KUWTC) — a new real estate media outlet and digital storytelling platform — we are passionate about shining a light on community-centered events like this one.

This platform bridges lifestyle, home, and human-interest stories to showcase what makes Eastern North Carolina such a vibrant and meaningful place to live.

KUWTC plans to be in attendance covering this year’s event, capturing the powerful stories and inspiring moments that unfold both on stage and behind the scenes.

Whether you’re a community advocate, a proud parent, or someone passionate about cultural celebration and youth empowerment, the Miss Juneteenth ENC Pageant is an event you won’t want to miss.