First Muslim Arab American Rima Fakih Wins Miss USA 2010 Title

Lebanese American Rima Fakih made history when she became the newest titleholder of Miss Michigan USA. She is the first Arab American Muslim woman to hold such a title. Fifty-one contestants from every state and the District of Columbia took to the stage Sunday at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino to compete for the title of Miss USA and the opportunity for a place in the Miss Universe pageant.

Fakih, of Lebanese descent, is believed to be the first Arab American, immigrant and Muslim to become Miss USA. She told pageant organizers her family celebrates both Muslim and Christian faiths. She moved to the United States as a baby and was raised in New York. Here she is competing in the bathing suit portion of the competition. The winner, Rima Fakih of Michigan, will represent the United States in the Miss Universe 2010 competition.