Miss Juneteenth is a poignant journey of a determined woman who takes on the burden of representing history, and generations of black women, while standing tall despite her own shortcomings as she marches toward self-realization.

Turquoise Jones is a single mom who holds down a household, a rebellious teenager, and pretty much everything that goes down at Wayman’s BBQ & Lounge. Turquoise is also a bona fide beauty queen, since she was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slavery was abolished in Texas. However, life did not turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is refining her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else. This remarkable film features undeniable performance by Nicole Beharie as Turquoise, a woman radiating elegance as she strives to survive while finding ways to succeed.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Join us for a brunch celebration before the screening and check out our watchlist from 2020 featuring FACETS Film Program Director Charles Coleman’s film picks honoring the important holiday. View watchlist.