MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2021 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Sparks, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Barnett, Barrett, Blackwell, Caughman, Chassaniol, Chism, DeBar, England, Frazier, Hopson, Horhn, McLendon, McMahan, Michel, Thompson, Turner-Ford, Whaley, Williams, Witherspoon, Jackson (32nd), Simmons (13th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. ASYA BRANCH UPON BEING CROWNED MISS USA 2020.
WHEREAS, Ms. Asya Branch, as the reigning Miss Mississippi USA, was crowned Miss USA 2020 on Monday, November 9, 2020, capturing the coveted title sought by a competitive field of young ladies who competed to represent Mississippi in the 2020 Miss USA Pageant; and
WHEREAS, Branch was born in Michigan in 1998. In 2003, her family relocated to Booneville, Mississippi. As a child, she grew up in a faith-based home and victoriously began singing in church; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, Branch participated and placed in her first pageant. She was later crowned Miss All-American City 2017. Representing Tupelo, she was crowned Miss Mississippi 2018 at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and went on to compete in the Miss America Pageant, where she was unplaced; and
WHEREAS, as Miss Mississippi USA, Branch was awarded the opportunity to represent Mississippi at the 2020 Miss USA Pageant, becoming the first African-American woman to be named Miss Mississippi USA. She also became the first Mississippian to win the Miss USA Pageant. As Miss USA, Branch will represent the United States of America at the Miss Universe Pageant in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Branch is passionate about prison reform and is an advocate for at-risk children. Her platform is "Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents," which aims to help children of incarcerated parents understand their situation and to empower those children to reach their dreams. Her platform was inspired by her father, who is incarcerated yet remains her biggest encourager and supporter; and
WHEREAS, Branch is currently a student at the University of Mississippi, where she is studying Broadcast Journalism; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians who have brought honor and pride to their families, their communities, and the entire State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Ms. Asya Branch for being crowned Miss USA 2020, and extend sincerest wishes for continued success at the Miss Universe Pageant and in all her future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Ms. Asya Branch and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.