Nineteen-year-old Somali-American Halima Aden created history and became the first Miss Minnesota USA semi-finalist while being dressed in a hijab. The teen only showed her face throughout the two days of the pageant, sticking to Muslim religious principles. Halima said she wanted to make a statement at the beauty pageant by competing fully clothed. She feared being different while she was young but later realised that she was born to stand out and not blend in. The teen wore a hijab during the competition and a burkini during the bathing suit round. She said she used the pageant as an opportunity to transform misconceptions about Islam. This isn’t the first time Halima has created history for the Somali-American community. She became the first Somali-American member in her college student government and was also crowned homecoming queen at her school. Despite facing opposition, Halima hopes to win the pageant as she believes that her victory will unify Somali-Americans and would open people’s eyes. The Miss USA organisation said they’re evolving as the women evolve and are proud to be the forefront of the diversity of beauty.