Rehema Muthamia has been crowned the first-ever Miss All African Colours England. Although born in England, the 24-year-old spent part of her childhood living in Kenya since her family has roots in Kenya. – By Sharon Maina.
The Sussex University graduate entered the contest to celebrate racial diversity and to raise money for Woman’s Aid. Miss All African Colours England aims to bring more diversity into the Miss England competition.
Rehema said that her family supports her the most and she is overwhelmed by their support and people in Kenya at large for their support.
“My family are so supportive they can’t stop talking about it, and the Kenyan community has really got behind me and wanted to support me and loved seeing someone from my heritage being represented,” said Rehema Muthamia.
She said that her experience was all new since it happened during a pandemic therefore the final competition was live on a zoom meeting.
“It was a new experience, but I can always say I had a live final competition on Zoom, that can only happen in a pandemic. It was surreal I couldn’t even compose myself because I was on Zoom and everyone was watching my face. My grandmother started screaming and plonked the crown on my head. She was just so happy and proud of me. I just loved the fact that we were celebrating minorities and ethnic women,” she was quoted saying by The Argus.
She received her award and sash from her proud grandma Monica, after Saturday’s virtual final which took place via Zoom.
In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the Miss England beauty pageant launched the new category, celebrating the rich heritage of women in England.
Rehemia Muthamia was very pleased by this category since she advocates for racial diversity therefore it is time that racial injustice is talked about.
“It was emotional. I remember the camaraderie; everyone was there from students to the elderly. I hope it (the new beauty category) is here to stay. Racial injustice isn’t spoken about enough and minority voices should be heard. I have also inspired my little sister!” she told Luton Today.
