Let’s be honest here. 2016 was one of the blackest years African Americans have had in a long time. From sports to politics to music to technology, we dominated and excelled on every stage.
Even one of the least diverse stages ever.
On June 5th 2016, instead of a blonde, blue-eyed beauty queen, Deshauna Barber made history becoming only the ninth woman to be crowned Miss USA.
And it gets blacker. Barber graduated from a Historically Black University (Virginia State University) and is a member of a historically black sorority (she’s a member of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Inc.)
The Columbus, Georgia native also made history that night becoming the first active member in the military to hold the illustrious title (she is commissioned as a quartermaster officer and logistics commander in the Army Reserve as a lieutenant).
And if you needed another reason to be a fan, the 27-year-old works as an IT analyst for the United States Department of Commerce.
Here are five fun facts about Deshauna.
- She was discovered in Target by a former Miss Texas contestant, Leslie Morton. Morton served as her mentor up until her death a few years ago.
- She wants to pursue acting. Her dream role? Game of Thrones.
- She plans to support Donald Trump. In a recent interview Deshauna stated, “I serve in the United States military and it is my duty and an oath that I took to serve my nation which I plan on doing… I have to follow my commander-in-chief.”
- The 5’10 model attended the University of Maryland University College, where she earned a master’s degree in management information systems.
- She’s passionate about advocating for military soldiers in an attempt to break stereotypes.
Although she didn’t win Miss Universe (she placed in the Top 9), she’ll forever be mentioned in the history books alongside the eight beautiful black women that wore the crown before her and her win will continue to be an inspiration for us all.
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(Photo Source: AP, PR Photos)
