“I think the fact that I’m the first black Miss Teen Missouri United States, people have been all the more supportive because of that,” said Joye Forrest.
“We are still in a very tough time in Missouri because of everything that happened last August, and people are proud that I was selected to represent the state.”
In February of this year, Forrest became the first black Miss Teen Missouri United States in the history of the pageant system.
“It has really given me a greater sense of family and community because of how everyone has responded to my title,” Forrest said.
“I believe that God put me in this position for a reason – and he entrusted me with this crown at this time for a reason. I’m really just going to try to do what I’ve been taught all of my life and try to make change.”
Forrest, 18, began competing in pageants at the beginning of her senior year at Crossroads College Prep. After two pageants, she decided to put her pageant career on hold to focus on college at The California Institute of the Arts, where she studies dance.
But the unrest in Ferguson compelled her to attempt to become a beacon of light for the region. She was crowned Miss Spanish Lake Teen, which qualified her to compete for Miss Teen Missouri United States.
“Once they said, ‘Miss Spanish Lake Teen,’ I just started freaking out,” she said. “I started crying, saying thank you to my mom, thank you to God.”
Since returning home from college for the summer, she has made countless public appearances and given talks at places like The Muny and The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.
She will host an afternoon fundraiser fashion show on Saturday, June 20 at Afro World to help her with expenses when she vies to become only the second black Miss Teen United States next week in Washington, D.C.
“I want to show how to be cute, but still classy,” Forrest said. “Hopefully, I can reach those young ladies between the ages of 12-21 and encourage them to dress in positive ways.”
Her platform is to promote purity.
“I really want to encourage people to be pure of mind, body and soul, and that comes with knowing who you are, keeping your morality and always standing up for what you believe in,” Forrest said.
She also plans to help spread greater awareness of HIV/AIDS as well as encourage the community to be a support system for those living with the disease.
Her mother, Afro World President Sheila Forrest, created an organization called My Sister’s Keeper that provides assistance to women living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
“I want people to be encouraged and inspired by what I’m doing,” Forrest said. “And to know that they can do whatever their hearts desire and keep reaching for the stars.”
Afro World presents Meet and Greet/ In-Store Teen Fashion Will take place from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Afro World Hair and Fashion Company, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd. in Normandy. For more information, call (314) 389-5194 or visit www.afroworld.com.
