Miss USA 2020 Crowns Another Black Woman Who Says When It Comes To Government There’s Still A Lot Of Work To Do
Black is beautiful and Mississippi agrees!
Asya Branch, a student at the University of Mississippi became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Mississippi USA earlier this year and is now the reigning Miss USA. Branch, who is from Booneville received her sparkling title on Monday after the coronavirus pandemic put the breaks on the event for several months.
Branch used her platform during the pageant to address the current state of our country which is deeply polarized.
She also addressed current gun laws and mistrust in media and government. Branch, who revealed during the contest that her family owns guns, said people should learn how to use guns properly before receiving a permit.
“As someone who grew up in a home with guns, I learned at an early age how to load, how to fire and gun safety, and I think that education should be available to everyone,” she explained during the pageant after being asked to answer a question on a random subject pulled from a box. “I think it’s important that we not ban guns, because obviously, people will find a way to get what they want anyway, but I think it’s our Second Amendment right, and we just need more safety surrounding that.”
In an interview with Miss Mississippi USA, Branch revealed that her father had been incarcerated for 10 years and she’d been inspired by his experience to advocate for criminal justice reform.
“We’ve lost trust in the systems that seem to keep our country running, from the media to business to our government,” Branch went on to share according to Fox News. “And it’s all about restoring that trust and coming together and working together to heal and trust in these systems. If we want to continue to be the greatest nation, we’re going to have to set a better example.”
Branch shared her disbelief in her win earlier this year in September
“I learned a lot about myself, but at the same time, while sharing my story and going through so much but not letting it stop me, I’ve been able to heal while also helping others find their way,” she said in an interview.
Branch’s win is proof of a change in pageant competitions. Last year, Black women won Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA for the first time in history. Her win comes alongside another historic victory. Miss Teen USA 2020 Ki’ilani Arruda, became the second Hawaiian woman to win the teen pageant.
