By Ruth Ann Ruiz
The Post Newspaper Features Editor
Three Galveston County Little Miss Juneteenth Princesses were honored with a celebration on Sunday afternoon. They patiently waved the beauty queen wave as we snapped our photos.
The young ladies had come out on Sunday afternoon not just to be celebrated, but to celebrate and honor Women’s History Month and the history of Black Americans. They were each presented an Opal Lee Barbie doll, which had been provided as a gift from members of the community.
Diane Merchant, a long-time educator and founder of Mainland Preparatory Academy, was in attendance and was very pleased to see the young ladies honored.
“This is an opportunity to see our young girls see an upward climb with a historic perspective,” said Merchant.
The young ladies were: 2021 Princess Amariah Archie Lomax, who wore a smart-looking red pantsuit; 2024 Princess Tayah Nashae Fanuiel, who sported an African-print summer dress; and 2023 Princess Aidyn Ray Honesty, who wore a sleeveless black dress coordinated with black shoes and a black purse worn across her body.
Two princesses who could not attend will be given their Opal Lee Barbie at later time.
The crowning the new 2026 Galveston County Little Miss Juneteenth will be held on June 13th at the Galveston Island Juneteenth festival and celebration at Menard Park in Galveston. The event will be free and open from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The crowning is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
