The Grio
Last weekend, Raissa Santana became the first black Miss Brazil in 30 years since Diese Nunes won the title in 1986.
Santana, a native of Paraná, was crowned on October 1 and will go on to be Miss Brazil at the Miss Universe competition in January. She is only the second ever black Miss Brazil.
In a country that has long struggled with racial strife, the win is historic, and Santana was well aware of the #BlackGirlMagic she is representing.
“I’m very emotional. This here is a mixture of great emotions. I didn’t expect to win this title, but I am very happy to have won this title and to represent black beauty and encourage girls who have the dream of having something, to conquer, to be a model, to be a Miss… now I want to encourage these girls and show them that they can,” she told reporters after her win.
