Croydon-born woman makes history as first black woman to win national pageant

By Paloma Lacy

A South London-born Zumba teacher has made history by becoming the first black Ms Great Britain.

Croydon-born Kat Henry, 37, was recently crowned winner of a new division of the Miss Great Britain pageant for women aged 28 to 39.

Ms Henry continues to celebrate her crown, and was quick to talk of “breaking pageant stereotypes”, but as beauty pageant veteran, this latest win won’t go to her head.

Asked how she wished to be thought as, Ms Henry answered: “Humble, kind, vivacious and strong.”

A spokesman for Miss Great Britain, said: “Kat stands for all that is good, positive and inclusive about our competition. She supports and builds up all other women and pushes for boundaries to be broken.

“Notably, Kat is the first plus sized lady of colour to win one of our titles and the first lady of colour to win the specific title of Ms Great Britain.

“We celebrate Kat’s achievements especially during Black History Month, so her voice can be heard and story shared to promote positive progression within pageants,” she added.

Ms Henry is understandably proud of this first, which she sees as a huge step in the right direction towards inclusion and diversity.

“This makes history and I hope paves the way for further positive change. Representation is something that is pivotal in society today.

“People deserve the right to be seen and heard regardless of the colour of their skin, ability, gender or even the size of their clothes,” said Ms Henry.

A staunch supporter of diversity within society, Miss Henry dreams of a day when people are able to turn on the TV and see people who look like them.

She believes this gives those who often feel unseen the opportunity to feel represented and said this would prove that there is enough space at the table for us all to achieve success. 

She added: “I’m immensely proud to be British but I am also proud to be South African & Mauritian. We should do more to embrace multiculturalism as the world is truly a mix of all different ethnicities and nationalities and in my opinion diversity doesn’t dilute Britain; it makes it greater.”