South Carolina Teen Makes History as First Black Homecoming Queen at Prestigious Private School

In a groundbreaking achievement, 17-year-old Amber Wilsondebriano has become the first Black homecoming queen in the 155-year history of Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina. Wilsondebriano, a senior at the prestigious Episcopal private school, is also a proud co-founder of the school's Black Excellence Society.

The journey to this historic moment was filled with responsibility, pride, and honor for Wilsondebriano. She expressed the significance of her victory, stating, "Being the first African American homecoming queen means that children get to look at me and see themselves in me. It's so important that they see that representation and know that anything is attainable for them."

Founded in 1867 as the Holy Communion Church Institute, Porter-Gaud School became co-educational in 1972. It wasn't until the 1976-1977 school year that a student was crowned homecoming queen. The school follows a nomination process wherein the student body selects classmates who embody strong character, leadership, and serve as positive role models.

DuBose Egleston, the Head of School at Porter-Gaud, applauded Wilsondebriano's election, stating, "We celebrate Amber's election as she joins the many noteworthy homecoming queens we've had since our school became co-educational in 1972. We are fortunate to have Amber as a member of our community, and we are pleased that Amber and her family have had such a positive and meaningful experience during their 12 years here on our campus."

Though Porter-Gaud is predominantly white, Wilsondebriano emphasized that the school offers equal opportunities to all students. She shared her love for the institution and its commitment to providing a positive experience regardless of race. "The students are able to have such a positive experience regardless of race," she said.

Wilsondebriano's involvement in her school community extends beyond her historic achievement. She has co-founded several clubs, with the Black Excellence Society holding a special place in her heart. "We started this club at Porter-Gaud because we felt that the Black students needed a space to share their identity and share their culture with each other and learn more," she explained.

The support from her parents has been invaluable to Wilsondebriano. Her mother, Monique Wilsondebriano, expressed overwhelming pride and even shed tears of joy when her daughter won. "We're proud of Amber, you know, Amber has always had this light. It's just something special about her, and we all say it, we all see it," Monique said.

Her father, Chevalo Wilsondebriano, believed that his daughter's win aligned with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. He stated, "They chose her; people in her grade, in her class chose her not for the color of her skin, but for the content of her character. This is the type of realization that Dr. King was looking for."

Looking ahead, Wilsondebriano has big aspirations that include writing children's books, modeling, acting, and pursuing her passion for painting. She plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall of 2024.

When asked what advice she would give her younger self, she confidently replied, "Your Blackness is your pride." Wilsondebriano continues to be an inspiration to her peers and the younger generation, showing them that with determination and self-belief, anything is possible.