Miss Jamaica Universe Sports Afro And Redefines Beauty at Miss Universe Contest

On Sunday evening November 26, 2017, Davina Bennett took the world by storm. Bennett, a native of Jamaica, was the 2nd runner up in this year’s Miss Universe contest. Although I am not a proponent of so-called “beauty pageants”, this year’s Miss Universe contest was VERY interesting.

I didn’t watch the show so I was a little taken aback by all the “noise” i.e. emails/texts I began receiving regarding Miss Jamaica Universe contestant Davina Bennett who finished as the 2nd Runner Up.  As I began reading and researching I realized that Bennett had done what no other Miss Universe contestant had ever done … she rocked an afro and it was amazing! 

Although Davina ultimately came in as the 2nd runner-up, this Caribbean Queen rocked her exquisite Afro on a world stage for all to see.  She made a statement about beauty and this was a major moment for diversity and inclusiveness.

 

I did not win but I got what I was seeking. I won the hearts of many, I got to highlight Deaf awareness, I stand as the first afro queen to have made it thus far, I represented my little island and I received allll the love one could possibly wish for…. THANK YOU!!! I came, I conquered and if you know me, then you know that’s just another story and you will be seeing a lot more from me💃😉👑 To all the queens that represented, congrats and to our new Miss Universe @demileighnp go conquer the world you are indeed a gem!😍😙 @thedavinabennettfoundation it’s time to lift you up! P.S. Back on Jamaican soil early and bright a mawning!!!💃💃💃💃♥💛💚 #davinabennett #missuniverse #majoraccomplishment #yourjamaicanqueen #theywillrememberme

A post shared by MISS UNIVERSE JAMAICA (@davina_bennett_) on Nov 27, 2017 at 5:00am PST

The 23-year-old model and philanthropist has been outspoken about wanting to shatter existing Eurocentric beauty standards. “I did not win but I got what I was seeking,” she wrote on Instagram following the competition, “I stand as the first Afro queen to have made it thus far.”

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Davina recently told the Jamaica Observer, when asked which beauty stereotypes needed to be challenged, she responded, “Short, natural hair which I feel should be embraced more, and not ignored.” .  You go girl, you’re a winner in my book!!

RCS Sidebar:  Wendy Fitzwilliam Miss Universe 1998 from Trinidad and Tobago was one of the judges!