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Miss Jamaica showed off her natural afro during the Miss Universe pageant and the internet crowned her the true winner

It goes to show you don't need a crown to be a winner.

Chelsea Candelario

on November 27, 2017

You don't need a crown to be a winner.

Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett wore her natural afro at the Miss Universe 2017 and got an outpouring of positive reactions from social media for breaking beauty standards.

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 allll 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💃😉👑 To all the queens that represented, congrats and to our new Miss Universe @demileighnp go conquer the world you are indeed a gem!😍😙 @thedavinabennettfoundation it's time to lift you up! P.S. Back on Jamaican soil early and bright a mawning!!!💃💃💃💃♥💛💚 #davinabennett #missuniverse #majoraccomplishment #yourjamaicanqueen #theywillrememberme

A post shared by MISS UNIVERSE JAMAICA (@davina_bennett_) on Nov 27, 2017 at 5:00am PST

"I did not win but I got what I was seeking," she captioned on Instagram. "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 allll the love one could possibly wish for....THANK YOU!!!"

The philanthropist finished third (second runner-up), but she won many hearts on social media. Fans wanted her to win Miss Universe and felt she was cheated of the crown.

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Despite her loss, many praised the pageant queen for embracing her natural hair and providing media representation.

There is still an issue with natural hair acceptance in the workplace, in education and even in Hollywood. The 23 year old wasn't only presenting her beauty, but making a social statement.

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"We should allowed our women to believe that they beautiful and can fit in regardless of size," Bennet told Jamaica Observer. "Another one is short, natural hair which I feel should be embraced more, and not ignored."

Bennett has opened the doors for future pageant queens to come, so we won't be surprised if we see her again.

Topics Celebrities