An Alabama woman who made national headlines after winning the National American (NAM) Miss Alabama pageant made the top 12 in the national pageant.
Sara Milliken, an obese beauty queen from Atmore, has been speaking out about her weight and encouraging other women to chase their dreams no matter how they look.
“Of course, I would love to walk away with the National American Miss crown, but for me, it was never just about that. It was about representing the message I so strongly believe in: inclusivity,” Milliken posted on Instagram. “My goal was to make Top 12 and show every single woman out there that this dream is possible.”
SEE ALSO: What’s the big deal? Miss Alabama Sara Milliken isn’t the real ‘Miss Alabama’
On stage, Milliken said her story went national after she won the state pageant. A television news station called her “Miss Alabama,” leading to confusion. She did not win Miss Alabama, which sends winners to Miss America or Miss Alabama USA, which sends winners to Miss USA.
Milliken also won the National American Miss Spokesmodel award.
"I am beyond honored to walk away with this award," she posted. "Sharing my story was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done because, for so long, opening up felt impossible. Being able to finally tell my story my way and share a message I know others needed to hear was the ultimate win."
The National American Miss program is based on fostering a positive self-image.
People made comments online acknowledging Milliken’s weight. She said she turned online hate into empowerment.
“When my crowning achievement became a headline on TMZ, Good Morning America and E! News, not for my service to senior citizens but rather my size, I had two choices: hide or stand powerfully for National American Miss and every woman,” she said. “Their negativity became my tools for empowerment.”
Milliken started "Watch Me by Sara," and she hosts body-positive workshops. She said if not for the hate she received, she would not be able to reach so many women.
She vowed to continue her work.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has doubled worldwide since the 1990s, and that hasn't been helped by “Big and Beautiful” campaigns, which encourage young girls and women to stay fat. In 2017, around 4.7 million people died of obesity. It also causes chronic disease that impacts quality of life.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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