Teen Miss Minnesota First To Wear Hijab Throughout Pageant

It’s always inspiring when the beauty practices and standards of other cultures are shared and appreciated here in America. And now 19-year-old Halima Aden has just made history at the Miss Minnesota USA pageant for doing just that.

Traditionally in beauty pageants there is an evening gown round, a bikini round and a casual wear round—and proud Somali-American Halima Aden decided to wear a hijab during each round of the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. She is the first woman ever to do so. Aden is also the first woman to wear a burkini during the swimsuit round of the competition. The Grio has further details about her groundbreaking moment.

Via The Grio:

Halima Aden has made history at just 19-years-old. She is the first woman to wear a hijab for all rounds of the Miss Minnesota USA pageant as well as the first contestant to wear a burkini for the swimsuit portion of the contest. Aden, who is Somali-American says that dressing modestly has allowed her to be more in touch with herself.

“A lot of people will look at you and will fail to see your beauty because you’re covered up and they’re not used to it. So growing up, I just had to work on my people skills and give people a chance to really know me besides the clothing,” she told TEGNA station KARE. “Be who you are. It’s easy to feel like you have to blend in, but it takes courage to live your life with conviction and embrace the person that you are.”

Aden’s proud display of her hijab comes just weeks after cosmetics brand CoverGirl signed beauty blogger Nura Afia to appear in nationwide print and commercial ads for the brand. She is the first Muslim woman to wear a hijab while representing CoverGirl. We say that we look forward to more beauty barriers being permanently knocked down!

Check out today’s Top Stories here:

https://ionehellobeautiful.staging.go.ione.nyc/2914556/sunshine-award-common/

https://ionehellobeautiful.staging.go.ione.nyc/2914535/janelle-monae-ifp-gotham-awards/