Graduate needs your votes to become the first ever Miss All African Colours of Miss England

Twenty-three-year-old Aminata Sow has put herself forward for the heat, which could take her through to the finals of Miss England.

Aminata, who lives in Bolton, said: “I heard about this on social media and had to hop onboard, not because I think I am beautiful, but because I believe in representation.”

The proud northerner, who works as an advisor for a Government-funded project to raise the aspirations of young people through education, added: “I am the only northern representative so I can highlight the work being done in the north and this is such a special opportunity for women of colour to shine.

“We want to encourage women like ourselves to understand that there is a place for everyone at the table.”

And Aminata is counting on the support of the people of Bolton to get through, as the heat is judged by public votes.

(Aminata Sow)

The winner of the ‘Miss All African Colours’ heat is the first in the Miss England competition to exclusively celebrate women of colour and the winner will secure a place in the Miss England finals in April 2021, to take place in London.

Miss England organisers say the contest has a long history of celebrating diversity. But in light of recent events the director of the contest it wanted do more to highlight that the contest is open to all communities living in England.

Aminata and her family came to the UK when she was 11 years old as refugees through the gateway programme. She was born in Senegal when her family fled Mauritania.

The family built a home for themselves in Bolton. She had to learn to speak English, as well as read and write in the language, before going on to securing a first-class honours degree.

Given the support and care her family received Aminata, volunteers with organisations to help others in need.

And is using the competition to highlight the work of The Bolton Destitution Project, which helps refugee and asylum seekers in Bolton. She has started the 'Beyond Borders, Beyond Race' initiative.

 (Aminata Sow working with The Destitution Project)

Aminata said: “This initiative is invaluable in providing awareness of the struggle faced by refugees and asylum-seekers across the world, but especially here in the North of England. It also provides an opportunity for people to learn about the great contributions they make to the communities they are a part of.”

Aminata is taking part in a fundraiser on December 5 to run 15k in two hours and complete 500 squats in just 30 minutes, in a bid to raise £500 plus. The money will go to support the most vulnerable she works with food vouchers.

 (Aminata Sow and the team at Bolton Lads and Girls Club prepare care packages) Her aim is to continue to work with local charities to help those in need, particularly the homeless and children living in poverty.

To support Aminata visit https://www.missengland.info/qualifiers/miss-african-colours/