Amber Wilsondebriano

Dear Commons Community,

A South Carolina high school senior made history as the school’s first Black homecoming queen in 155 years.

Amber Wilsondebriano, a senior at Charleston’s Porter-Gaud High School, was voted homecoming queen by her peers in 2023.  As reported by USA Today.

“When I was nominated, I didn’t feel confident I would win,” Wilsondebriano said. “However, throughout the week, many students told me they were voting for me. When the day came and my name was called, I was relieved and honored because I knew I was a part of history. I was elated the whole night. My peers made me feel special for the day.”

Wilsondebriano said the support she has received before and after her coronation has been overwhelming.

“So many children of all ethnicities asked to take pictures with me as the new queen,” she said. “I’m so happy to have been chosen as homecoming queen for my character and achievements, not because of my race.”

Wilsondebriano, 17, is one of Porter-Gaud High School’s best students. She has a 4.66 GPA and is a co-founder of several clubs at the school. One of the clubs she is most proud of is the Black Excellence Society.

The Black Excellence Society is a club she thought the school needed to have Black students in the school come together and have a safe space. The club is also a space where Black students can find ways to bring more diversity to the school.

“There are less than 10 Black people in my senior class,” Wilsondebriano said. “When we have our meetings, every Black student in the school can fit in one classroom.”

When Wilsondebriano and her five friends pitched the club to the directors at Porter-Gaud High School last year, they immediately accepted the program.

“I can’t say enough how supportive the school has been of the club,” Wilsondebriano said. “They have funded catering for us and gave us a classroom to hold our meetings. I appreciate the school very much.”

Wilsondebriano is the Chinese and Art Club co-leader and plans to major in painting at The Savannah College of Art and Design next fall. Her goals are to illustrate and write children’s books. She also dreams of someday owning a business and sourcing her work.

“Amber is a very special child,” said Amber’s mother, Monique Wilsondebriano. “She has taught herself how to paint. She is such a blessing. It’s not surprising to me that the kids voted for her to become queen. She is a good friend and is very loyal.”

Wilsondebriano’s family is from New York but moved after her father, Chevalo Wilsondebriano, was injured in the 9/11 attacks. While working for the FDNY EMS as a medic and first responder, he sustained an injury to his lungs.

They moved to South Carolina to open their company, Charleston Gourmet Burger Co. Their products have been sold in Macy’s, Whole Foods and Walmart.

Congratulations to Amber!

Tony

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