Quiin Abenakyo, then a 22-year-old computer science student, represented Uganda at the Miss World pageant in China – and was crowned Miss World Africa in 2018. But why did the beauty queen’s win come with some criticism from the president?
Ugandan president Yoweri Musevenifor tweeted: “Abenakyo is indeed a tall, beautiful Musoga girl. My only concern is that she was wearing Indian hair … I have encouraged her to keep her natural, African hair. We must show African beauty in its natural form.” He caught some heat for his comments.
Many criticized Museveni’s comments, citing his Western dress style and LACK of hair as a sign of sexism and hypocrisy.
African beauty does deserve to shine on the world stage. But there’s more to the story.
Later, Abenakyo wore a natural hairstyle for the president’s state dinner. He praised her – but she shouldn’t have had to conform to his, or ANYONE’s, standards of beauty.
Abenakyo has the right to wear her hair any way she likes – as do all Black people. We often face criticism from inside AND outside our community about how we present ourselves, and it has to stop.
Our natural hair is beautiful, and no one should ever feel pressured to straighten it. But true freedom and Black liberation means we can choose to present ourselves however we desire!