Oct 26, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Nova Stevens, a 27-year-old South Sudanese-Canadian activist who is popularly known for co-organizing the Vancouver’s Freedom marches that saw thousands of people turning up to support the Black Lives Matter Movement in Summer this year, has been crowned Miss Universe Canada, a title she will carry on to represent Canada at Miss Universe 2020
Nova won the prestigious Miss Universe Canada on October 24th, 2020 at John Bassett Theatre, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada.
Nova used the big stage to educate more people on challenges Black and other people of color go through every day.
“The point is for you to listen and if I have to go on a bigger stage for you to listen then I’m going to do that. That’s what I want to do with Miss Universe Canada, use that platform … so I can reach a broader audience, so I can create awareness and educate more people because, at the end of the day, it’s about educating people,” Nova said.
Speaking to Daily Hive during a previous interview, Nova said she uses her voice to advocate for causes she cares about saying that not everyone has a voice.
“I have always been vocal about things I believe. I have always used my voice because I felt like, again it’s a privilege to have a voice because not everybody gets the ability to speak,” she told Daily Hive.
The Kenyan born, South Sudanese Canadian declares being unapologetic for being black and that people should see her color, which she believes does not constitute racism.
“I am Nova Stevens. I am a Canadian and a Black woman. As I stand before you, I want you to see me as a black woman. Yes. I want you to see color. Because seeing color does not mean you’re a racist; instead, it allows you to see the struggles experienced by people of color,” she wrote twitter.
She went on to advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement saying innocent black lives have been lost to police brutality and hate crimes.
“You’ve heard the news, you’ve read the stories. Innocent black lives have been lost to police brutality and hate crimes. We want you to see us. We want you to hear us. We want you to feel us. I ask that you diversify your surroundings, because when you do that, it creates a better understanding. Know that hate is taught; therefore we can unlearn it. So let’s do that! Let’s get back to our truest essence, which is love.” Nova said
Above all, Nova is grateful for the big win and pledges to remain loyal to the causes she cares about.
“My heart is full with gratitude. Thank you very much to everyone that has believed in me and supported me through this journey. As your new Miss Universe Canada, I promise to remain true to who I am and use my power, which is my voice.” She added.
The 27 year old, Nova Stevens, was borne in Kenya in 1993 to South Sudanese parents who were fleeing the Sudanese civil war.
At the age of six, Nova made it to Canada leaving her parents in Kenya. Her parents later moved to Ethiopia where they resettled as the then Southern Sudan was still going through conflicts.
While in Canada, at the age of 15, Nova moved out to live on her own and by the age of 16 she moved to New York to start her modeling career until 2014 when she decided to move to Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Stevens is a spokesperson for Keep6ix, an organization that helps struggling youth who have been wrongly accused of criminal activities and may have criminal records.
She has competed three times for Miss Universe Canada and this win will send her to world stage to represent Canada at Miss Universe 2020.
