Britain has crowned its first black Miss Universe Great Britain.
Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, a native of Anguilla, accepted the crown on Saturday, July 14. She will go on to compete in the famed Miss Universe pageant later this year.
This happened! My heart is full!! Thank you so much for all of your love and support. The hard work continues NOW!
Miss Universe Great Britain 2018-2019 pic.twitter.com/kXkjE5aokP
— Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers (@AsToldBy_Dee) July 16, 2018
“It really hasn’t sunk in – it feels a bit surreal, I feel like I’m walking on an invisible cloud right now, I’m really buzzing,” Kentish-Rogers told Buzzfeed News.
Despite her shock, the 25-year-old believes this milestone was inevitable and is an important showcase for the diversity of the British diaspora.
“I think it’s really humbling and I think it’s also a privilege for me to become the first black woman who is crowned Miss Universe Great Britain,” she continued.
"I believe that this is the direction that the pageant has been going in for the last couple of years because Britain is a diverse nation, we are a multicultural society, and it is time that that diversity is seen on a stage where other young black girls and girls of all ethnicities can see that this is something for everybody not just some of us.”
In addition to wearing the crown, the former Miss Anguilla has passed the bar and is on her way to becoming a lawyer.
Paula Abbandonato, national director of Miss Universe Great Britain, expressed her joy for Kentish-Rogers in a statement.
“I am absolutely delighted that Dee-Ann has won the title this year. I took over this role in 2008, and I can honestly say there is no better gift than having our first black winner to celebrate 10 years in the job,” Abbandonato wrote.
“Dee-Ann is a true role model for all women of all skin colors, and with her dynamism off the stage, coupled with her presence on the stage, I genuinely believe Great Britain has a chance at the Miss Universe crown this year.”
We’re always rooting for everybody black and can’t wait to see Kentish-Rogers compete for the Miss Universe crown.
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