SEE: Miss USA Visits Kids' Organization In Bed-Stuy

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Kids in Bed-Stuy got a special surprise this week when Miss USA came to visit a local organization that helps families impacted by mass incarceration.

Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch stopped by the neighborhood Wednesday to tour Children of Promise, NYC, an organization that advocates for and supports children of incarcerated parents.

Branch, whose father was incarcerated when she was young, shared her story with the youth and staff.

“I wish I had an organization like Children of Promise during my childhood to deal with the trauma of having my father incarcerated for ten years of my life,” Brand said. “I now use my voice and platform to make a difference in the lives of these children and their parents.”

Branch, the sixth of eight siblings, has become an advocate for criminal justice reform through her own experiences. She made history as the first Black Miss Mississippi, and the first Miss Mississippi to win the Miss USA crown when she won in November.

Children of Promise has two locations in Bed-Stuy and the South Bronx, where they provide a mental health clinic and youth services tailored to each child's strengths and challenges, according to the organization.

“It is important to bring together these impacted young people into a safe space in order for them to share their experiences,” said Sharon Content, founder and CEO of Children of Promise, NYC. “Many of these young people deal with the stigma, shame and the secret of having a parent in prison. Our organization provides our scholars the tools needed to deal with these issues.”

Check out photos from Branch's visit in the slideshow above.