South Carolina teenager Amber Wilsondebriano has been crowned the first Black homecoming queen at Charleston’s Porter-Gaud School, a milestone moment in the school’s 155-year history.
Wilsondebriano, 17, is a senior at the 155-year-old Episcopal private high school and co-founder of the school’s Black Excellence Society. She has been a part of the Porter-Gaud community for 12 years and has been actively involved in several clubs, including co-leading the Chinese Club and the Art Club, and is aspiring to major in painting at The Savannah College of Art and Design.
“When they said my name, I felt so much joy, relief and honor because I knew that representation matters,” Wilsondebriano told CNN. “I knew that being able to show up as a role model would inspire so many young children, and I’m so proud I get the title of the first Black homecoming queen.”
Amber Wilsondebriano, a senior at Porter-Gaud School. Amber Wilsondebriano, A Senior At Porter-Gaud School”
The historic moment was celebrated by her family, friends, and the school community. Her father, Chevalo Wilsondebriano, said, “It is almost tearful to know that this was Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream, to have an environment where you can be judged not by the color of your skin, but for the content of your character.”
Wilsondebriano’s mother, Monique, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I thought maybe some people may be upset … but that was not the case. Everyone, all her friends were so happy, supportive. People were crying.”
Porter-Gaud School, which has admitted women for the last 50 years, teaches students from grades 1-12. The head of school, DuBose Egleston, said the homecoming court is composed of “individuals who demonstrate strong character and leadership … and make impactful contributions to the school.”
“Amber exemplifies all of these characteristics and is a wonderful example of a student who lives out our school mission each day by inspiring others to pursue lives of purpose, learning and service,” he said.
Amber Wilsondebriano pictured at homecoming with her father, Chevalo.
In addition to her academic achievements, Wilsondebriano has been actively involved in fostering connections between younger and older grades. Her Black Excellence Society has played a crucial role in providing a safe space for Black students at the school to come together and promote diversity.
Despite her many achievements, Wilsondebriano didn’t feel confident about winning the homecoming queen title.
“When I was nominated, I didn’t feel confident I would win,” she told USA Today. “However, throughout the week, many students told me they were voting for me. When the day came and my name was called, I was relieved and honored because I knew I was part of history. I was elated the whole night. My peers made me feel special for the day.”
The homecoming queen now aspires to inspire young children of all ethnicities to dream big and believe that anything is possible.
“I hope that young girls and young children can look up to me and hope anything is possible,” she said. “Children of all ethnicities came up to me and wanted to take a picture of me – and felt that this was something they wanted to do too – and I felt so proud that I can inspire them to dream.”
