Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The crowning of Mr. and Miss Juneteenth highlighted the Juneteenth holiday festival on Wednesday at Foot Soldier Park.

Mr. Juneteenth, Micah Thomas Jr., and Miss Juneteenth, Adrionna Powell, were introduced to the crowd during a program at Foot Soldier Park by former Selma City Councilwoman Angela Benjamin.

Thomas, who graduated from Southside High School last month, will attend the University of Alabama in the fall.  Thomas said he is thrilled to leave Selma with a huge award. He will major in Criminal Justice and minor in Political Science. 

“Being Mr. Juneteenth is a privilege and honor for me,” Thomas said. “I get to represent Selma. I learned so much from Joanne Bland.”

Powell, a rising junior at Troy University,  said being Miss Juneteenth allows her to reach a few milestones. The 2022 graduate of Selma High is a Sports Management major.

“I feel really good to get named Miss Juneteenth,” Powell said. “I did not expect to be picked as Miss Juneteenth. I came back to Selma to help the community and the younger kids.” 

The program titled, “Still We Rise,” also honored former Selma Fire Chief Henry Allen, a former Foot Soldier.

Several businesses were on display: Paradise Drinks, The Lemonade Lady, Thirsty Flavors, Latrice Unique Designz & Creationz, Nicole’s Boutique, Eyenique Sunglasses and Accessories, Images, Sweet Advantages, MilksCravings, Gifts of Gab, Hair & Healing Salon & Herbal Apothecary, Rolling Youth Foundation, Bistro Manila, JESHEMA and Fancy Kisses.