The University of the Virgin Islands Student Government Association, in partnership with the Dean of Student Affairs Office, invites the community to a celebration of culture and achievement featuring the African Fashion Show and the official coronation of Majestik Freedom as Miss Black Virgin Islands 2026.
The event will take place on Saturday at the 13D Research, Strategy, and Innovation Center on the Orville E. Kean St. Thomas campus. Doors open at 4 p.m. for attendees to explore vendor displays, with the main program beginning at 5 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening.
Over the decades, the Black Heritage Committee has often held a fashion show during the month of February. It often serves as a recruitment event to encourage students to join the committee. Dean Leslyn Tonge, advisor, DaraMonifah Cooper and Freedom were members and leadership of the committee during their time as UVI students. Recognizing a need to encourage more interest and participation from current students, the collaborative event intends to include elements of fashion, music, UVI history, as well as pageantry.
The coronation marks Freedom’s official public announcement as she prepares to represent the Virgin Islands at the Miss Black USA Scholarship Pageant. “Overall, I’m excited. Miss Black Virgin Islands 2026 is a huge honor and I have complete freedom to manage my reign and my platform. I’ve chosen to center Black entrepreneurs across the diaspora,” says Freedom. A 2025 UVI graduate in Fine Arts and Education and member of the Black Heritage Committee, she is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Beyond the coronation ceremony, the event promises an evening featuring live performances by M’Kayla Eustache, Trevelle Connor, Li G, and BluRay. Adding to the excitement, Miss Universe U.S. Virgin Islands Britanny Robinson is scheduled to make a special cameo appearance.
The fashion show will showcase diverse talent, with models spanning a variety of experiences, from high school students that Freedom has personally taught to award-winning professional models. The evening will also include introductions from Miss and Mr. UVI contestants, UVI campus trivia, and door prizes.
Freedom hopes the event will inspire others to pursue opportunities beyond the territory. “My hope is that I can encourage contestants to branch outside of local pageantry to the national stage. The time is now for the USA to hear the U.S. Virgin Islands,” she said.
Clothing and accessory sponsors include New Africa Market, Miss Naturalista, All Around You Bush Tea, K. Elinah Accessories, and Amour Magique. Student and alumni brands, including Elev-8 and Glam Box VI will also be part of this event. Strategic marketing support is provided by Conch Shell Media LLC.
Tickets are priced at $5 for students with ID and $15 for general admission, with an additional $5 charge at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the UVI Bookstore on campus, Miss Naturalista in Yacht Haven Grande, and New Africa Market in Barbel Plaza. Digital payment options are also available.
For more information, contact dcooper@uvi.edu or call 340-693-1083.
