NEWSMAKER – Davina Bennett
The Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment Desk continues its daily year in review of people who made an impact during 2017.
On Sunday, November 26, Clarendon beauty Davina Bennett stepped into local history books when she placed third in the Miss Universe pageant held at the The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, USA.
Bennett, who became an instant Internet sensation thanks to her rich chocolate-coloured skin and trademark afro, emerged from a field of 92 contestants to become the second Jamaican beauty to crack the top three at the popular pageant.
Jamaica’s highest placement at the Miss Universe pageant came in 2010 when Yendi Phillips finished in second place. Previous top ten placements at Miss Universe included Sandra Foster (1989), Kimberly Mais (1991) Christine Straw (2004) Nicole Haughton (1999) and Kaci Fennell (2014).
Taking to social media, Bennett expressed thanks for all the support she received.
“I did not win, but I got what I was seeking. I won the hearts of many, I got to highlight deaf awareness, I stand as the first afro queen to have made it thus far, I represented my little island and I received all the love one could possibly wish for…. THANK YOU!!! I came, I conquered, and if you know me, then you know that’s just another story and you will be seeing a lot more from me, ” she posted on Instagram.
In the days that followed, international fashion and lifestyle glossies Essence, Allure, Elle and People were among the global press that picked up stories on Bennett at Miss Universe. The stories all focussed on her skin and afro, praising her for bucking tradition and going into an international pageant with her natural hairstyle.
Meanwhile, Middle Street in Mitchell Town, Clarendon, where Bennett is from, is to be renamed in her honour. She has also been presented with the key to the township of May Pen in recognition of her achievement in promoting and showcasing the cultural diversity of Jamaica locally and internationally.
Bennett has chosen the deaf community as her platform during her reign.
