We got to know Justina Miles as the overnight sensation at Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance, but she represents a living embodiment of “representation matters.” 

Miles made history at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show when she became the first deaf female American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to sign lyrics for hearing-impaired TV viewers nationwide. And perform she did, dominating headlines post-show for her passionate performance to Rihanna’s 13-minute concert.

“When Rihanna came out, I felt the pop of the lights,” Miles told Vogue. “She was behind me, so I couldn’t see her, but I could feel her. I wanted to match her power.”

In addition to her impressive halftime performance, the Philadelphia native also signed actress Sheryl Lee Ralph’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (AKA the Black national anthem) before the annual final NFL playoff game.

Now, she graces the cover for May’s British Vogue, which “celebrates a new vanguard of disabled talent.” Donning an elegant, red strapless dress while seated against a black and white backdrop, Miles made the cover alongside little person Sinead Burke and Ellie G., a model and Down syndrome awareness advocate.

Reflecting on that viral moment, the Black performer emphasized visibility in an Instagram post showcasing the cover photo.

“Dynamic, Daring, & Disabled,” she wrote in her Instagram caption. “It is time the world knows, understands, and embraces us — people of all colors, shapes, and abilities. I am my undying potential. My community WILL leave behind a legacy.”

Miles is not new to ASL performing. She first rose to notoriety recording signing videos to songs on TikTok, at one point garnering attention from artists like Lil’ Kim back in 2020.

According to the National Association of the Deaf, she has performed renditions of concerts at the likes of Rolling Loud and Austin City Limits. After seeing a clip of her, the National Association of the Deaf “said they had to have me for Rihanna,” Miles told Vogue.

The Bowie State student is currently studying to be a travel registered nurse to help deaf people.

“My long-term goal is to open my own nursing practice at Gallaudet University, a specialist school for the deaf and hard of hearing, so that there can be more deaf nurses,” she said.

As a partially deaf person, since she was two years old, Miles expressed pride for now being the representation she wished she had growing up, joining advocates like Nakia Smith using social media to raise awareness about Black ASL.

“It’s an important moment not only for me to share this experience with the whole world but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country who’ve never really seen that before. I feel that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice,” Miles told CNBC at the time.

And you can bet that Miles won’t stop here.

“Representation would have definitely meant the world to a younger me. If I had seen somebody like me at the Super Bowl, I would have decided to be a performer and set bigger dreams for myself at an earlier age. It was such an incredible opportunity. I have so many ideas for myself now,” she said.

Find the ASL performer gracing the May 2023 issue of the international magazine cover on newsstands now.

ASLBlack-ASLBlavity-UBlavity-U-EntertainmentBritish VogueNakia SmithRihannaSheryl Lee RalphSuper Bowl Halftime ShowSuper Bowl LVI