Porter-Gaud senior becomes the school's first Black homecoming queen

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Amber Wilsondebriano, a senior at Porter-Gaud School, became the first Black homecoming queen in the school's 155-year history.

According to the school, the ceremony and announcement occurred at halftime at a football game during Porter-Gaud's Homecoming week.

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"It was so amazing having so many people congratulating me and children wanting to take pictures with me," Amber said.

Amber's mother, Monique Wilsondebriano, said, "We're reluctant to talk about race, but we kind of have to. Amber's classmates elected her not because she is Black, but because they genuinely love her."

"Amber is smart, funny, and has always been a friend to anyone she meets," she continued. "The fact that these kids, most of whom do not look like her, saw something special in Amber and voted her to be their homecoming queen, means the world to us."

"It's remarkable how far this country has progressed," said Chevalo Wilsondebriano, Amber's father. "This achievement is a testament to Dr. King's dream of the day we can all be judged, not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character."

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Amber's parents say she holds a 4.66 GPA. She is the co-president of the Chinese Club and has earned the seal of biliteracy twice. Amber is also the co-founder and president of the Art Club and the co-founder and vice president of the Porter-Gaud Black Excellence Society.