First woman of color crowned Miss Maine supporting black-owned businesses during Black History Month

Brady can relate to Rwanda Bean’s mission as an immigrant herself. Her grandparents are originally from the Caribbean.

“As an immigrant American, I think we are really focused on how commerce and how our progress relates to future generations as well as our past,” she said.

According to the Maine Center for Economic Policy, black Mainers make about $13 an hour on average, whereas white Mainers make an average of more than $18 an hour. Brady said it’s important to close the gap regarding economic inequality.

Click here to read the full story, first published February 20, 2021, in NewsCenter Maine.