Miss Juneteenth

Miss Juneteenth

Year: 2020

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Channing Godfrey Peoples

Drama

Turquoise Jones, a former Miss Juneteenth winner, now works tirelessly to prepare her daughter, Kai, for the same pageant. Determined to give Kai opportunities she never had, Turquoise pushes her toward the competition, which celebrates African American heritage and freedom. However, Kai has her own ideas about what she wants, leading to a complex and emotional exploration of dreams, expectations, and mother-daughter relationships.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Miss Juneteenth yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Miss Juneteenth (2020) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Miss Juneteenth (2020), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Turquoise Jones, portrayed by Nicole Beharie, is navigating the challenges of single motherhood in a quaint suburb of Fort Worth, Texas. Once the celebrated winner of the local Miss Juneteenth pageant, which offers a coveted scholarship to a historically black college, Turquoise hopes to recreate her past glory by entering her 15-year-old daughter, Kai, into the very same contest, even though Kai expresses little interest in participating.

Turquoise’s own path to success was abruptly altered when she became a mother, forcing her to abandon her college dreams after Kai’s birth and pushing her towards a series of struggle-filled jobs, including a stint as a stripper. Currently, she finds herself working at a bar while also contributing as a part-time beautician at a mortuary. There, she catches the eye of the owner, who harbors romantic intentions towards her. Despite this complexity, Turquoise’s heart remains tethered to Kai’s father, Ronnie. Even though they are officially apart, the two share a deeper connection, continuing to engage in a romantic liaison.

On the other hand, Kai is caught between her mother’s ambitions and her own dreams. As she prepares for the Miss Juneteenth pageant, her true passion for dance becomes increasingly evident. Unfortunately, her hopes are momentarily dashed when her father fails to provide the funds for a new dress, compelling her to compete in her mother’s former gown.

As the anticipated Miss Juneteenth pageant approaches, Kai surprises everyone during the talent segment. In a stunning display, she performs Maya Angelou’s empowering poem, “Phenomenal Woman”—the very same piece her mother had insisted she showcase. However, with a creative twist, Kai infuses dance into her rendition. While Turquoise beams with pride at her daughter’s bold performance, Kai ultimately does not place in the competition, forcing both mother and daughter to confront the reality of their expectations.

After the bar owner suffers a heart-related scare, he announces his decision to sell the establishment. In a moment of entrepreneurial instinct, Turquoise presents him with a counter-offer, proposing to gradually buy out the bar. Much to her delight, he accepts, ushering Turquoise into a new chapter as she embarks on her journey toward becoming a businesswoman, ultimately redefining her identity and aspirations.

Last Updated: December 13, 2024 at 06:47

Unlock the Full Story of Miss Juneteenth

Don't stop at just watching — explore Miss Juneteenth in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Miss Juneteenth is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Miss Juneteenth Timeline

Track the full timeline of Miss Juneteenth with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Miss Juneteenth Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Miss Juneteenth

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Miss Juneteenth. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Miss Juneteenth

More About Miss Juneteenth

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Miss Juneteenth: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Miss Juneteenth

Similar Movies to Miss Juneteenth

Discover movies like Miss Juneteenth that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.