Nia Franklin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nia Franklin
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Franklin at the 2018 Military Bowl
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| Born |
Nia Imani Franklin
July 27, 1993 |
| Education | East Carolina University (BM) University of North Carolina School of the Arts (MM) |
| Height | 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Title | Miss Five Boroughs 2018 Miss New York 2018 Miss America 2019 |
| Term | September 9, 2018 – December 19, 2019 |
| Predecessor | Cara Mund |
| Successor | Camille Schrier |
Nia Imani Franklin (born July 27, 1993) is an American composer. She is also known for winning beauty pageants. In June 2018, she became Miss New York 2018. On September 9, 2018, she was crowned Miss America 2019. This event took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The previous Miss America, Cara Mund, crowned her.
Nia Franklin's win in 2019 was special. It was the first time that all four major U.S. beauty pageants were won by Black women. Other winners that year included Zozibini Tunzi (as Miss Universe 2019), Kaliegh Garris (as Miss Teen USA 2019), and Cheslie Kryst (as Miss USA 2019).
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Nia Franklin's Early Life and School
Nia Franklin was born on July 27, 1993. She is the oldest daughter of James and Kristy Franklin. She has two younger siblings, a sister named Bailey and a brother named J.D.
High School and College Years
Franklin finished high school in 2011. She went to North Davidson High School in Welcome, North Carolina. After high school, she attended East Carolina University. This university is located in Greenville, North Carolina. She earned a degree in music composition in 2015.
During her first year at East Carolina University, her father became very ill. He was diagnosed with a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Years later, her father's cancer returned twice. He needed a special treatment called a stem cell transplant. Nia was a match and donated her stem cells. This helped her father get better.
Graduate Studies and Music Career
After graduating from East Carolina, Nia continued her education. She went to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). In 2017, she earned her master's degree in music composition. She wrote an opera called King Solomon. It was first performed in 2015.
Franklin later moved to New York City. She was chosen as a special fellow in 2017. This fellowship was with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. She worked in their education division.
Helping Others Through Arts
While studying at UNCSA, Nia was part of ArtistCorps. This program helps bring artists into schools. They work with students who might not have many chances to experience art.
After moving to New York, Franklin worked with Success Academy Charter Schools. She started a music club for students there. She also partnered with Sing For Hope. This non-profit group is based in New York City.
Nia Franklin's Pageant Journey
Starting in Pageants
Nia Franklin began competing in pageants while at East Carolina University. She won the title of Miss Black and Gold. This was at a scholarship pageant. It was sponsored by the university's Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
She also competed in the Miss North Carolina pageant. She entered in both 2016 and 2017. In both competitions, she finished in the top 10. She also won an award for her talent performance.
Becoming Miss New York 2018
In June 2018, Franklin competed as Miss Five Boroughs 2018. This was at the Miss New York 2018 pageant. She won awards for her talent and swimsuit performances. She also won the overall interview award.
On June 30, 2018, she was crowned Miss New York 2018. The event took place at Shea's Theatre in Buffalo, New York.
Winning Miss America 2019
Nia Franklin represented New York at the Miss America 2019 competition. It was held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The competition took place on September 9, 2018. Her main message was "Advocating for the Arts."
For the talent part of the competition, she sang. She performed "Quando m'en vò" from the opera La bohème. In the final round, judge Laila Ali asked her a question. She asked how being Miss New York prepared her to be Miss America.
Nia explained that she had to move many times in New York. She also dealt with high rent. She said she had to work very hard in her life. She told the judges, "I have New York grit." She also mentioned her Lincoln Center fellowship. She said she was excited to share her message. Her goal was to make sure all students could get a good education in the arts.
She won the 2019 Miss America title. The first runner-up was Miss Connecticut 2018, Bridget Oei. Miss America 2018, Cara Mund, crowned her. Along with the title, Nia Franklin received a $50,000 scholarship. She is the seventh Miss New York to win the Miss America title.
