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.
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!
