Branch makes history again with Miss USA title

By Bobby Pepper Daily Journal Nov 11, 2020 Comments

MEMPHIS • Asya Branch made history a second time Monday night.

The Booneville resident became the first Miss Mississippi USA to win the Miss USA Pageant during the 2020 competition at Elvis Presley’s Graceland.

Last year, Branch became the first African American woman to win the Miss Mississippi USA title, but it took her almost a year to get to the Miss USA stage. The Miss USA Pageant was originally scheduled for spring, but was postponed due to COVID-19.

In an interview last month with the Daily Journal, Branch told about her dream of being the first Mississippi titleholder to win Miss USA. The previous best by Mississippi contestant at Miss USA was Leah Laviano’s runner-up finish in 2008.

“I told my mom if I win Miss USA, I would have made history twice,” Branch said. “It’s been 10 years since Mississippi made it to the top 15 at Miss USA. I’m hoping to revise that cycle and bring the crown back home to Mississippi.”

Branch, 22, was crowned by her predecessor, Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst.

Miss Idaho USA Kim Layne was first runner-up and Miss Oklahoma USA Mariah Jane Davis was second runner-up. Third runner-up was Miss Indiana USA Alexis Lete and fourth runner-up was Miss Alabama USA Kelly Hutchinson.

Branch, a senior at the University of Mississippi, will relocate to New York City for her new duties. She’ll represent the United States at the Miss Universe 2020 pageant.

Branch previously competed in the Miss America pageant system, winning the title of Miss Mississippi 2018. She represented the state at the 2019 Miss America Pageant, but did not place.

After earning a spot in the top five at Miss USA, Branch shared her take on gun laws in her final statement.

“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,” Branch 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 are allowed to purchase a gun and before receiving a permit.

“I think it’s important that we not ban guns because obviously people will find a way to get what they want anyways,” she continued. “But I think it’s our Second Amendment right and we just need more safety surrounding that.”

Branch also fielded a question about the polarized state of the country.

“I think this is an issue of trust,” Branch said. “We’ve lost trust in the systems that seem 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. If we want to continue to be the greatest nation, we’re going to have to set a better example.”

Branch and the other 50 contestants were judged in interview, swimsuit and evening gown. She was chosen by a panel of judges that included entrepreneur Gloria Mayfield Banks, Fox Nation host Abby Hornacek, businesswoman Susan Yara, sports reporter and Miss USA 1999 Kimberly Pressler, Miss USA 2000 Lynnette Cole and It’s a 10 Haircare CEO Carolyn Aronson.

https://www.djournal.com/branch-makes-history-again-with-miss-usa-title/article_5798bb40-2eca-56ff-82d1-354ef77c555a.html