Arena Foy’s triumph in Miss SVG 2023: A message of empowerment

by Ari Shaw

In the enchanting realm of beauty pageantry, the spotlight has always been quick to illuminate those with fair skin, leaving others in the shadows.

Yet, the story of Arena Foy, Miss St Vincent and the Grenadines 2023, defies this trend as she emerged from the clutches of colourism and bullying during her secondary school years to shine brilliantly as the face of Vincentian pageantry for the upcoming year.

Arena’s remarkable story resonates with many who have suffered the insidious effects of colourism, as highlighted in the academic paper “The Persistent Problem of Colourism” by Mills College. This social issue, deeply ingrained in our society, has perpetuated a hierarchy of skin tones, with lighter complexions traditionally enjoying more favour and opportunities.

Arena Foye

In a Facebook post, local radio host and music producer Alex ‘Kubiyashi’ Barnwell pointed out his own struggles with colourism, despite his success in the media and music spaces. Those familiar with his voice on radio could identify his foreign accent and according to him, he would be passed on opportunities after meeting persons in the flesh. Kubiyashi is, after all, a dark-skinned man.

He pointed out that “in the case of Arena Foy, her battles with this were not so subtle or silent – she has literally endured titles, jokes, dismissals due to her dark complexion and body features publicly and privately in very hurtful malicious ways.”

He went on to add that “It is hard to cancel the voice of self doubt and trauma that speaks when it comes to seizing opportunities that requires you to put all of you out there. After experiencing stuff like this from your own people.”

I wholeheartedly agree with him – Arena Foy’s triumph at the Miss SVG 2023 pageant challenges these norms and reminds us that beauty is not confined to a specific hue.

However, rather than succumbing to the pressure and allowing these experiences to define her, Arena used them as stepping stones to her own self-discovery and growth.

Regarding her recent mistakes, I can’t express more, the complete lack of interest I have in the content of her social media post or the leaked pageant chat. I could, however, state my opinion that having faced such bullying in the past, she is now in a position where she feels the need to fight for everything that she deems to be hers – because of a fear that she’d lose what she fought so hard to gain; acceptance.

While I do not agree with her actions, I do understand, and because of this understanding, I will not add to the tearing down of yet another black woman who has shown that she is indeed human and capable of mistakes. It is my hope that she is shown the same grace that the Vincentian public has shown to politicians who have been accused of infidelity and abuse (both sexual and physical).

Arena Foy’s victory in the Miss SVG 2023 Pageant is not just a personal achievement; it’s a message of empowerment and inclusion. Her presence on that stage has sent a clear signal that beauty knows no bounds, no restrictions, and certainly no colour. It’s a celebration of diversity and a testament to the fact that every individual, regardless of their skin tone, can aspire to achieve their dreams.

I am of the strong opinion that the ongoing petition for her to be stripped of her crown is utter nonsense and by definition – “Doing too much”. If there is to be a petition every time we don’t get our way then our signatures would lack conviction.

Ari Shaw

However, right is right and wrong is wrong – an apology is in order. One issued to other contestants in this year’s pageant, the Beauty Shows Committee and the Vincentian public as Miss SVG is a prestigious award and has been treated as such over the years and should continue to be treated as such.

To Arena, if you’re reading this, you have elevated yourself from that girl being called “black and ugly” to sharing a stage with the nation’s leaders, as you now represent St Vincent and the Grenadines as its standard of beauty. Keep climbing, continue to shine and carry yourself in a manner in keeping with the title you bear – Miss St Vincent and the Grenadines – Queen.