Beauty comes in all colors, irrespective of race and ethnicity. The same was proved by Brooke Bruk Jackson, who was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe.
However, it was too much to digest for the internet as they could not believe how a white woman could win the title. Her runner-ups in the competition were Black women Amanda Mpofu and Nokutenda Marumbwa.
As the competition was held for the first time in 22 years, it was certainly an iconic moment. Brooke Bruk-Jackson, a 21-year-old white woman and a native of Harare, won Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023. With her win, she has become the official representative of Zimbabwe at Miss Universe 2023, and it has sparked controversy and mixed reactions all over the internet.
Who Is Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023 Brooke Bruk-Jackson?
Zimbabwe will return to the Miss Universe pageant after 22 years as Brooke Bruk-Jackson made history at the finale of the national pageant held at the Harare Hippodrome in Braeside, Harare. Upon her victorious moment, she took her Instagram account to address her followers.
“My heart is full of joy and gratitude. Thank you to each and every one of you for your kind messages and support. GOD IS GOOD!!!” said the Instagram post by the newly crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe.
The 21-year-old young model was born in Harare and completed her junior and primary education in the native town. Right after her early education, Brooke went to the British Academy of Fashion Design in London.
She also went to the Beauty Therapy Institute in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, and was forged into the model she is today. Brooke also works as a beauty therapist at Aesthetic Solutions Zim.
In a lengthy caption, the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023 added, “I have gained this crown for our beautiful country, to love and to serve our people, to represent Zimbabwe Internationally, and to show the world the uniqueness of Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans.”
Why Is the Internet Targeting Brooke Bruk-Jackson?
The iconic moment of a white woman winning Miss Universe Zimbabwe received massive backlash from the internet while there were people who supported her. As she is a white woman representing the African nation, many are claiming that Black contestants should have been selected to represent the country, where most of the population is Black.
Zimbabwe has a population of more than 14 million, with non-Black people making up roughly two percent of the overall population. “If you understand the world you’ll understand how the system runs!” said a user while calling out the president of the Miss Universe organization.
The backlash prompted Brooke to deactivate comments on her victory post. In another photo of her dressed in garb showcasing Zimbabwean artists, she mentioned,
“The colour of our skin should not define a person or who each person chooses to associate with. Together, we are aligned, a beautiful kind made by god.”
What Is Next for Brooke Bruk Jackson?
After the historic win, Brooke received a cash prize of $10,000 from Style by Minnie. She was also gifted a trip to Victoria Falls by the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry. As of writing, Brooke Bruk Jackson has over 10k followers on Instagram, and it seems like much more is yet to come for the young model. With Miss Universe 2023, which is to be held in El Salvador this November, Brooke prepares to represent her country.
With all that, do you think the internet’s harsh comments might hamper her journey as she is set to represent the nation at the Miss Universe stage?
Let us know in the comments what you think about it, and stay tuned for more updates.
