Brazil crowns first black ‘Miss Brazil’ in 30 years

Brazilian model Raissa Santana created history recently, as she was crowned the first black Miss Brazil in 30 years.

In a country often divided by racial strife the 21-year-old beauty became the first black Miss Brazil in 30 years, and amazingly only the second ever since Diese Nunes was crowned in 1986.

The young Paraná native was crowned as Miss Brazil on October 1, and is set to represent the country at the Miss Universe competition in January.

Santana described her win as very “emotional” one, that she never quite expected.

“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,” she told reporters after her win.