Miss Juneteenth

Turquoise Jones, a former winner of the Miss Juneteenth pageant, experiences a turning point in her life. After becoming a single mother, she is forced to leave college and take on jobs to support her daughter, Kai.

Despite Kai's disinterest, Turquoise decides to enter her 15-year-old daughter in the Miss Juneteenth pageant. Turquoise sees this as an opportunity for Kai to secure a scholarship and follow in her mother's footsteps.

Turquoise struggles to provide for her family, juggling multiple jobs as a bar employee and a beautician at a mortuary. Her past experiences as a stripper weigh heavily on her, but she remains determined to create a better life for Kai.

Despite being officially separated, Turquoise maintains a romantic relationship with Kai's father, Ronnie. Their union is fraught with challenges, but the connection remains strong as they share intimate moments.

Kai struggles with her preparations for the Miss Juneteenth pageant, expressing a desire to pursue her passion for dance instead. The pressure from Turquoise for her to compete creates tension between them.

When Ronnie fails to provide the money needed for Kai's pageant dress, Kai is left with no choice but to wear her mother's old gown. This situation heightens Kai's resentment towards the pageant and her mother's ambitions.

The Miss Juneteenth pageant takes place, filling the air with excitement and hopes for the contestants. Turquoise watches anxiously, hoping her daughter will shine on stage despite her evident reluctance.

Surprising everyone, Kai performs Maya Angelou's 'Phenomenal Woman' set to dance during the talent portion. This was the same poem Turquoise had performed years ago, showcasing Kai's unexpected talent and growth.

Despite a powerful performance, Kai fails to place in the Miss Juneteenth pageant. While Turquoise feels proud of her daughter's bravery, it is evident that Kai is still disillusioned with the pageant experience.

The owner of the bar where Turquoise works suffers from heart problems, prompting him to decide to sell the establishment. This news shocks Turquoise, as she realizes the impending loss of her job and routine.

In a bold move, Turquoise offers a counter-proposal to the bar owner, suggesting she buy out his business over time. This decision marks a significant shift in her life as she steps into the world of entrepreneurship.

Turquoise embarks on her new journey as a businesswoman following the acceptance of her proposal. This decision opens new possibilities for her future and signifies her resilience and determination.