Jackson Free Press

When you hear the words "Miss Universe", do you picture a dark-skinned woman with waist-length dreadlocks? If not, Zahra Redwood is hoping to change all that at the Miss Universe Pageant Monday, May 28 at 8 PM on NBC.

From YardFlex:

In an interview with YardFlex.com, she expressed her feelings about winning her first title as Miss Jamaica Universe, "Its absolutely flattering to be representing Jamaica, especially internationally, feels wonderful right now. Jamaica is the land of Rastafari."

When asked if she was nervous or had any fears and challenges about Mexico she replied, "I have no fears and I don't entertain any negativity or challenges representing Jamaica." Many are speculating whether a Jamaican, especially a Rasta can win Miss Universe especially since three women have won Miss World but not Miss Universe.

Jamaica's first Rastafarian Beauty Queen is not an ordinary Beauty Queen with only physical attributes; she has a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. Beauty, brains, and cultural relevance are the key assets to winning the Miss Universe competition, which Zahra Redwood possesses.

"I see it as a phenomenon to be the first Rastafarian beauty queen" beamed Miss Jamaica Universe. She closes by addressing the youth, "I recommend all young people to listen and adhere to the words in Bob Marley's Wake Up and Live, a great song telling the youth to live life. Don't sit around, live out your dreams and thoughts, and make them a reality."

As beautiful as Zahra is, the possibility of her winning is still a longshot because dark skin and dreadlocks are often stigmatized. However, the fact that she will be on stage in Mexico City Monday night is an accomplishment in itself.

Previous Comments

ID

113152

Comment

I also suggest that you watch the video of Miss Jamaica's interview on the Miss Universe Web site.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-25T10:27:06-06:00

ID

113153

Comment

Here's an in-depth interview.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-25T11:28:47-06:00

ID

113154

Comment

Jamica and the caribbean islands are well known for having beautiful black women. The claim that she's the first to participate in this pageant surprises me. Glad to see she's not afraid to wear dreadlocks. "Look whose coming to dinner, with the dreadlocks."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2007-05-25T11:41:53-06:00

ID

113155

Comment

She is beautiful!! I'm not big on pageants but glad to see some diversity in them for a change! Love her hair, hope she wins!!

Author

music chick

Date

2007-05-25T12:25:29-06:00

ID

113156

Comment

Ray, thanks to colonialism, more and more Jamaicans see dreadlocks and dark skin as unattractive. They watch American programs and want to emulate light skin and straight hair. The problem is increasing in Africa as well. music chick, it's been a long time since I watched a pageant, but I'll look at this one just to see how far Zahra gets.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-25T14:20:18-06:00

ID

113157

Comment

Well, Miss Jamaica didn't make it to the top 10, but Miss Tanzania did, and she made an excellent showing. I'm proud of her. Miss Japan won, and I know that was a big deal since no one from Japan has won since 1959. Congratulations! I felt sorry for Miss USA, though. She fell during the evening gown competition, and the audience booed her during the question-and-answer session. Well, they were really booing America and not her per se, but still...ouch.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-29T22:27:24-06:00

ID

113158

Comment

Miss Tanzania photos here. I was surprised she got that far since I know how judges can be about long flowing hair and all that. Glad they were able to see her beauty.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-29T22:29:19-06:00