Nova Stevens facts for kids

Nova Stevens (born Nyawal Bukjok on May 5, 1992) is a Canadian model and activist. She is also a beauty queen who won Miss Universe Canada 2020. When she represented Canada at Miss Universe 2020, she became the first woman of South Sudanese background to compete in that big pageant. Nova Stevens also works as a professional model and speaks out for Black Lives Matter.

Who is Nova Stevens?

Nova Stevens is a strong voice for important causes. She uses her platform to talk about fairness and equality for everyone. She has inspired many people with her journey and her work.

Her Early Life Journey

Nova Stevens was born in Kenya. Her parents were from South Sudan and had to leave their home because of a war. When Nova was six years old, her family sent her to Canada. They wanted her to have a safer and better life. Her parents and siblings later moved to Ethiopia. Nova grew up in Canada, living with different relatives in Alberta and Ontario.

When she was 15, Nova started living on her own. A year later, she moved to New York City. There, she began working as a professional model. In 2014, she moved to Vancouver to continue modeling and try acting.

Standing Up for What's Right

Nova Stevens is a passionate activist. She believes in treating everyone fairly, no matter their background. She has worked hard to bring people together and fight against unfairness.

Fighting for Fairness

During the George Floyd protests, Nova became a well-known activist in Vancouver. She spoke out for Black Lives Matter. This movement works to stop racism and police brutality. Racism is when someone is treated unfairly because of their race. Police brutality means police using too much force.

Making a Difference in Vancouver

In June 2020, Nova Stevens and another activist named Shamika Mitchell organized the Freedom March. More than 15,000 people joined this march. They protested against racism and police brutality. They also celebrated Juneteenth, which is a day that celebrates freedom for enslaved people.

After the march was a big success, Nova and Shamika organized more events in Vancouver. They worked to support Black Lives Matter. They also helped convince the Mayor of Vancouver, Kennedy Stewart, to make August 1 Emancipation Day. This day celebrates freedom and reminds us of the end of slavery.

Nova also helps other groups. She is a spokesperson for Keep6ix, a group that helps young people who are wrongly accused. She has also volunteered with Operation Smile and Feed it Forward.

Competing for the Crown

Nova Stevens has also competed in beauty pageants. These competitions judge contestants on their beauty, talent, and personality. They also look at how well they can speak and represent their country.

Her Pageant Journey

Nova took part in Miss Universe Canada in 2014 and 2018. In 2020, she decided to compete again in Miss Universe Canada 2020. She had thought about stopping pageants. But she was inspired by Zozibini Tunzi, who won Miss Universe 2019.

Before the competition, Nova said she would use her platform to talk about Black Lives Matter. She wanted to speak about racial justice. Racial justice means making sure everyone has fair treatment and equal opportunities, no matter their race. Nova won Miss Universe Canada 2020. After winning, she represented Canada at the Miss Universe 2020 competition.