Journalism of Courage
Twenty-four-year-old Nina Davuluri Monday became the first contestant of Indian heritage to win the Miss America pageant.
Related: Miss America,Nina Davuluri,first of Indian heritage
Davuluri,who aspires to become a physician,will earn at least $50,000 in scholarships.
Related: Miss America contestant pursuing double mastectomy
Davuluris parents and sister,along with more than 30 other supporters,watched her compete in the live ABC television broadcast from Atlantic City,New Jersey.
Davuluri,in a canary-yellow evening gown,walked the runway after being named Miss America,waving and brushing away tears of joy. She showcased a classical Bollywood fusion dance piece as her talent.
Davuluris message is celebrating diversity through cultural competency, and Davuluri has said shes had to dispel a lot of misconceptions about her culture through the year,such as whether her parents will arrange a marriage for her.
The crowning,meanwhile,sparked some racist reactions on social media. On Twitter,a user with the handle emiadkins tweeted,Its calledMiss America. Get outta here New York you look like a terrorist.
Congratulations Al-Qaeda. Our Miss America is one of you, posted BlayneMkltRain.
Davuluri however,played down the issue,saying she had to rise above such things.
