Raised in the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla, the 25-year-old claimed the title of Miss Universe Great Britain, beating over other 30 contestants from Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"I have always wanted to use my life to make an impact and to contribute and I will be using the title of Miss Universe Great Britain to encourage women to believe in themselves and to forge ahead with their dreams. The UK is a multicultural society and I am proud to represent its ideals of tolerance, diversity, beauty and feminism," Ms. Rogers said.
Comments on social media celebrated the news of the first black woman to take the title in the competition's 66-year history.
Miss Universe GB is a black… won the crown with dreads. 🔥🔥🔥 the colonizers must be pained
— Asanwa (@asanwa) July 16, 2018
Congrats to Dee-ann for winning Miss Universe GB!!!!! She'll be reppin the country at Miss Universe 2018!!!amazzinggg Smalll island massive represent!! Axa stand up👑👑👑🍾🍾🍾
— Tiff.Any (@ichenique) July 14, 2018
I loveeee when people break “beauty standards”, especially my fellow dark skin women. Our uniqueness should be celebrated, not merely tolerated.
— preshdidddy. (@preshtawiah) July 15, 2018
The new Miss Universe Great Britain @AsToldBy_Dee — my heart is full 😩💜🎉 pic.twitter.com/CzEjXiTRdp
— preshdidddy. (@preshtawiah) July 15, 2018
Miss Universe 2018 will be the 67th competition where the previous winner, representing South Africa, will crown her successor.