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Miss Mississippi Asya Branch crowned 2020 Miss USA

Asya Branch, the first African American Miss Mississippi, was crowned 2020 Miss USA Monday night, becoming the first contestant winner from the Magnolia state.

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Branch, 22, was awarded the title of Miss USA during the competition Monday at Soundstage at Graceland, part of an entertainment complex near Elvis Presley’s Memphis estate, the Commercial Appeal reported.

Branch, who is from Booneville, Mississippi, will move to New York and lead various philanthropic organizations as part of her new role as Miss USA, People reported.

She is an advocate for criminal justice reform and impressed the judges with her poise and comments regarding issues like gun safety and the country’s increasing polarization.

“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. I think that education should be available to everyone,” Branch said. “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. I think it’s important that we not ban guns ... but I think it’s our Second Amendment right and we just need more safety surrounding that.”

>> Photos: Miss Mississippi Asya Branch crowned 2020 Miss USA

“We’ve lost trust in the systems that seem to keep our country running, from the media to business to our government. It’s all about restoring that trust and coming together and working together, to heal. ... If we want to continue to be the greatest nation, we’re going to have to set a better example.”

Branch, whose father was incarcerated, has previously been involved in criminal justice reform efforts. In 2018, she was a participant in a “White House Roundtable” on the issue, which included President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. The meeting preceded the passing of the First Step Act, which shortened mandatory prison sentences for some offenses, the Commercial Appeal reported.

The pageant, usually held in the spring, had been postponed because of the coronavirus. It aired live with a reduced capacity audience and followed social distance safety precautions. Contestants at times even wore sparkling masks.