Yahoo Sports Miss Mississippi's stance on gun control and message of unity helped her win Miss USA pageant
Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch made history Monday night, becoming the first contestant from Mississippi to win the crown, after she had already made history as the first-ever Black Miss Mississippi. But before winning the Miss USA crown, live on FYI from Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., Branch won the hearts of Americans with a statement on gun reform that showed understanding from both sides of the debate.
“As someone who grew up in a home with guns, I learned at an early age how to load, how to fire, and gun safety, and I think that education should be available to everyone,” Branch said. “We should require people to pass training and safety courses before they’re allowed to purchase a gun, and before receiving a permit. I think it’s important that we not ban guns, because obviously people will find a way to get what they want anyways, but I think it’s our Second Amendment right, and we just need more safety surrounding that.”
Not everyone was thrilled with Branch due to her stance on guns and the fact that she once performed the national anthem at a Trump rally. But when asked about division in the county, Branch spoke of unity.
“I think this is an issue of trust,” Branch said. “We’ve lost trust in the systems that seem to keep our country running, from the media to business to our government. And it’s all about restoring that trust and coming together and working together to heal and trust in these systems. If we want to continue to be the greatest nation, we’re going to have to set a better example.”
For more on Miss USA 2020 go to missusa.com.
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