Asya Branch facts for kids

Asya Danielle Branch is an American beauty queen. She was crowned Miss USA 2020. She then represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2020 competition, where she placed in the top 21.

Early Life and Advocacy

Asya Danielle Branch was born in Detroit, Michigan. She is one of eight children in her family.

Asya grew up with a parent who was in prison. This experience inspired her to help others. She now speaks up for families affected by the justice system.

In 2018, when she was Miss Mississippi, she joined a meeting at the White House. They talked about making the justice system better. She also sang the national anthem at a public event that year.

When Asya was 10, her father went to prison. This was a difficult time for her. She started an effort called "Finding Your Way." This program helps children whose parents are in prison. She wants to support these children and their families.

Education

Before kindergarten, Asya's family moved to Booneville, Mississippi. She went to Booneville High School. After high school, she moved to Oxford, Mississippi.

She attended the University of Mississippi. Asya studied Integrated Marketing Communications. This degree helps people learn about advertising and public relations. She also studied General Business. Asya hopes to work for a public relations company. She also dreams of working for a big company.

Pageant Journey

Asya began her pageant journey in 2016. She won her first title, Miss Historic Crossroads. Later that year, she competed in Miss Mississippi. She placed 11th in the competition.

In 2017, she competed again as Miss All-America City. She was named fourth alternate. Asya then won Miss Mississippi 2018. She went on to Miss America 2019 but did not place.

As Miss Mississippi USA, Asya represented Mississippi at Miss USA 2020. She made history by becoming the first person from Mississippi to win Miss USA. She was also the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss Mississippi USA.

The Miss USA 2020 competition was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. It finally took place on November 9, 2020. The event was held at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Asya won the crown from the previous Miss USA, Cheslie Kryst.

In May 2021, Asya represented the United States at Miss Universe 2020. The competition was held in Florida. There were 74 contestants from around the world. Asya placed in the top 21. On November 29, 2021, she crowned her successor. Elle Smith from Kentucky became Miss USA 2021.

Continuing Her Mission

After Miss Universe, Asya continued her "Finding Your Way" program. This program helps families with parents in prison. One part of her program is called "Love letters." It helps family members in prison connect with their children. She donates stationery to inmates for this purpose.

Asya shared a story about an inmate who reconnected with her son. This shows how successful the program can be. She hopes to expand "Love letters" across the country. Asya also continues to speak out for fairer rules for people in prison.

See also

In Spanish: Asya Branch para niños