22-year-old Asya Branch has been crowned Miss USA 2020 at a ceremony at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis on Nov. 9.
Branch, from Booneville, Mississippi, is the first African American to represent the state in the annual beauty competition. It’s also the first time a Mississippi contestant has won the title.
The official portrait of #MissUSA2020 Asya Branch wearing the @mouawad #PowerofPositivity crown. 👑✨ pic.twitter.com/wpxS4bDMeP
— Miss USA (@MissUSA) November 10, 2020
In her final statement in the contest, Branch addressed gun laws:
“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,” she said. “And I think that education should be available to everyone. I believe that we should require people to pass training and safety courses before they’re allowed to purchase a gun and before receiving a permit.”
Meet #MissUSA 2020 Asya Branch! pic.twitter.com/91bI77skVi
— Miss USA (@MissUSA) November 10, 2020
“I think it’s important that we not ban guns because obviously, people will find a way to get what they want anyway,” she continued. “But I think it’s our Second Amendment right, and we just need more safety surrounding that.”
Miss USA 2020 was originally scheduled for this past spring but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.