Asya Branch Wins Miss USA 2020, Talks Prison Reform, Faith, And 2nd Amendment
Last night, Asya Branch made history with her win as Miss USA 2020.
It wasn’t the first time she made history either. In 2018, Branch became the first black Miss Mississippi. As Miss USA, she’s making history a second time as the first woman from her state to win the title.
She used her introductory video at the beginning of the Miss USA pageant to speak about her passion for criminal justice reform, including her participation in a roundtable with President Trump. That wasn’t her first event with the President; she also performed the national anthem at one of his rallies in 2018, after winning her title as Miss Mississippi.
Defending America and the Second Amendment
During the final speaking round of the competition, candidates were asked to make a 30-second statement on topics that were drawn randomly. Branch drew the card for “gun laws.” She used her statement to make a resounding argument for the importance of the Second Amendment for Americans.
“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 clarified that she believes people should have to attend training and pass safety tests before they’re allowed to purchase a gun.
But she didn’t back down on her defense of the Second Amendment. “I think it’s important that we not ban guns, because obviously people will find a way to get what they want anyways, but I think it’s our Second Amendment right, and we just need more safety surrounding that,” she said.
In another segment, she decried the loss of trust in “the system that seems to keep our country running, from the media, to business, to our government. And it’s all about restoring that trust and coming together and working together to heal and trust in these systems.”
She finished, “If we want to continue to be the greatest nation, we’re gonna have to set a better example.”
10 Fun Facts about Miss USA 2020
Her education goal: To acquire a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and then a law degree.
Her favorite movie genre: Action/Suspense
Her favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
Her essential wardrobe accessory: An awesome pair of earrings
Her favorite food: Juicy, ripe pomegranates and grapefruits
Her must-have item: Chapstick
A new experience she wants to try: Skydiving
Her secret dream: “My secret dream is to compose a chart topping song with a powerful meaning that would impact the lives of many.”
Why she chose her personal platform of empowering children of incarcerated parents: “As a child of an incarcerated father, I understand the struggles and pains that the children of incarcerated parents experience. There were no resources nor advocates available for me when I first faced this difficult, life-altering circumstance. I want to be a voice and a role model for the children who find themselves, by no fault of their own, in the similar scenario as I did. I want to help them understand their situation and rise above it to be empowered to reach their dreams and aspirations.”
If you were on a deserted island, what book would you want with you? “My Bible, not only for quality reading, but for inspiration and spiritual guidance in the circumstances in which I would find myself.”
You can read more about Asya Branch here.
Closing Thoughts
It can be hard nowadays to stand up for our values, especially as a woman like Branch who finds herself in the national spotlight. (Soon, it will be international as she travels to represent the USA in the Miss Universe pageant.) While it’s often much easier to bow to the pressure of political correctness, Asya Branch is proud to stand up for her beliefs. For that, we’re proud to call her Miss USA. Let’s hope we start to see more women like her.