Miss Mississippi USA, Asya Branch, has been crowned Miss USA 2020. The 22-year-old was named winner at a ceremony taking place at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday evening.
Branch hails from Booneville and is the first African American to represent the state in the annual competition. The achievement also marked the first time a Mississippi contestant has won the title.
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.”