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| Asya Branch was in disbelief when she was crowned Miss USA 2020. PHOTO via CNN |
Asya Branch Becomes First Black Woman to Win Miss Mississippi USA and Now Miss USA
Historic Win for Asya Branch at Miss USA 2020
Asya Branch, a University of Mississippi student and Booneville native, has made history as the first Black woman to win the Miss Mississippi USA title. After months of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was crowned Miss USA 2020 at the prestigious Graceland Exhibition Center in Memphis, Tennessee. With this victory, she will now represent the United States at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.
Breaking Barriers in Beauty Pageants
Branch’s win is a significant moment in pageantry, marking only the second time a Hawaiian woman has won the Miss Teen USA title. Her crowning follows a groundbreaking year in 2019 when, for the first time, all major beauty pageant titles—Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, and Miss World—were held by Black women. She was crowned by Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst, further cementing a legacy of diversity and inclusion in the competition.
Advocacy and Personal Journey
Branch has been an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform, drawing from her own personal experiences. She revealed in an interview with Miss Mississippi USA that her father was incarcerated for ten years. This personal challenge motivated her to meet with former President Donald Trump and other officials in 2018 to discuss reintegration programs for former prisoners.
“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 a past interview.
COVID-19 Safety Measures at Miss USA 2020
The pageant was originally scheduled for spring 2020 but was postponed due to pandemic-related restrictions. When production resumed in the fall, the Miss Universe Organization implemented strict COVID-19 safety measures:
- Contestants wore bejeweled masks when offstage and during visits to landmarks like the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Audience members at Graceland were required to wear masks indoors and undergo temperature checks.
- Social distancing was encouraged, though not explicitly mentioned in Graceland’s official COVID-19 protocols.
A Powerful Message for Unity
During the competition, Branch answered questions on how to bridge political and social divides in the U.S. She emphasized the importance of restoring trust in institutions like the media and government. On the topic of gun laws, she shared that her family owns firearms and advocated for responsible gun ownership, including better training before obtaining permits.
Looking Forward to Miss Universe 2021
With her Miss USA win, Asya Branch now prepares to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, representing the country on an international stage. Her journey from Mississippi to the world stage showcases resilience, advocacy, and a commitment to change, making her an inspiring role model for many.
Her historic achievement marks a pivotal moment for diversity and representation in beauty pageants, furthering the legacy of Black excellence in the industry.
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