Raissa Santana has much to celebrate.
The Brazilian beauty just became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Brazil in 30 years, and is the second Black woman to hold the crown in the country’s history.
Deise Nunes won back in 1986.
Black Women of Brazil has been covering the events leading up to the pageant and reports that Santana is overjoyed by her win. After winning the competition, she told reporters, “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.”
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It was a big year for Miss Brazil, with six of the 27 contestants being Black women — largest number of Black contestants in history. Congrats! We’re sure Santana will do an amazing job as Miss Brazil.