House Concurrent Resolution 55

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MISS ASYA BRANCH FOR BEING CROWNED MISS USA 2020 AND EXTENDING SINCEREST WISHES FOR HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AT THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT 2021 AND IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

WHEREAS, the reigning Miss Mississippi USA, Asya Branch, was crowned with the sparkling tiara and handed beautiful roses when she captured the coveted title of Miss USA 2020 on Monday, November 9, 2020, a true testament to her abundance of beauty, grace, hard work and unwavering dedication to reaching her dreams; and

WHEREAS, the beautiful and talented Miss Branch was born in Michigan in 1998, but relocated to Booneville, Mississippi, in 2003 with her family, and throughout her childhood, she was raised on Christian principles and began singing in church at a young age; and

WHEREAS, Miss Branch, who is now a student at the University of Mississippi studying broadcast journalism, participated and placed in her first pageant in 2005, and through her continued commitment to her goals, she was later crowned Miss All-American City 2017; and

WHEREAS, when she represented Tupelo in the Miss Mississippi 2018 pageant, Miss Branch's pattern of success remained steadfast when the crowded Vicksburg Conference Center erupted in a thundering applause as the emcee announced her name as the new Miss Mississippi 2018; and

WHEREAS, while she did not broaden her reign as Miss America 2018, throughout her tenure as Miss Mississippi 2018, she undoubtedly played a vital role in the lives of young girls across the state, who looked to her and were inspired to reach their fullest potential, fulfill their dreams and achieve greatness; and

WHEREAS, after her reign as Miss Mississippi 2018 ended, Miss Branch competed in and was crowned Miss Mississippi USA, becoming the first African-American woman to be named Miss Mississippi USA, and through her new title, she was awarded the opportunity to represent Mississippi at the 2020 Miss USA Pageant; and

WHEREAS, proving that she is an unstoppable force for good in this world, Miss Branch's dedication to fitness, high scholastic achievement and poise, coupled with her melodious voice, wowed the judges and other contestants, and she was crowned Miss USA 2020, becoming the first Mississippian to win the Miss USA Pageant; and

WHEREAS, as Miss USA 2020, Miss Branch will represent the United States of America at the Miss Universe Pageant in 2021, where her warm charm and outgoing personality will surely display the hospitality of a true Mississippian, which will bring honor to the Booneville community, the Miss USA organization, and the entirety of the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, throughout her entire pageant experience, Miss Branch's platform has been "Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents," which is based on her own experience as a child of an incarcerated parent, her father, who, despite his incarceration, continues to remain her biggest supporter and has always steered her in the direction of success and offered her strength for each step she has taken in life; and

WHEREAS, using her platform and the encouragement of her father, Miss Branch hopes to help children of incarcerated parents understand their situation and rise above it to be empowered to reach their dreams and aspirations, just as she has; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor fine Mississippians such as Miss Mississippi 2018, Miss Mississippi USA and Miss USA 2020, Miss Asya Branch, a young woman who exudes poise, class and a tender heart, and serves as an asset and wonderful role model to young girls throughout the great Magnolia State and the nation with her attitude, determination and professionalism that bring honor to the Booneville community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Miss Asya Branch for being crowned Miss USA 2020 and extend sincerest wishes for her continued success at the Miss Universe Pageant 2021 and all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Miss Asya Branch and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.