Stealing a few of Rihanna’s shine throughout a comeback present might sound inconceivable–except you’re Justina Miles. The HBCU scholar has been the speak of social media since Sunday for her ASL interpretation throughout Rih Rih’s Super Bowl halftime efficiency.
Justina is simply 20 years outdated, a scholar at Bowie State University, and a deaf American Sign Language (ASL) performer, per CNN. Though she wasn’t the one ASL performer on the Kansas Chiefs v. Philadelphia Eagles recreation, Miles generated viral speak for her energetic supply in the course of the 13-minute efficiency.
She acquired commitments on Twitter like:
“ASL interpreter Justina Miles was indisputably the high point of the super bowl,” @SupremeCourtAF wrote.
“Super Bowl halftime interpreter Justina Miles was having the time of her life tonight. I love this,” @noahmtweets wrote.
Beyond the viral recognition, Justina added her contribution to Black History Month. According to The Philadelphia Interpreter, Justina is the first Black girl to interpret ASL in the course of the Super Bowl halftime present.
While her ASL efficiency for Rih’s set brought about the excitement, it wasn’t her first time performing throughout Sunday’s recreation. Justina additionally carried out Lift Every Voice and Sing as Sherly Lee Ralph belted the lyrics.
“It’s not only for me to share this experience with the whole word, but to really bring that empowerment to millions and millions of Black deaf people all over the country, who’ve never really seen that before,” Justina stated. “And so they should feel inspired, and that’s the same way I feel. I feel like that is truly lifting every voice, even my voice.”
Here’s What Else You Should Know About ASL Performer Justina Miles
Though the Super Bowl LVII was a giant stage for Miles, it’s not the one grand alternative she’s had in ASL performing. According to the NFL, Miles has given ASL music renditions “at various concerts throughout the country.”
This week additionally isn’t her first time going viral. In 2020, Miles acquired widespread on-line consideration after sharing an ASL rendition of the #CrushOnYou problem, which featured Lil Kim’s hit 1997 single. After the video gained traction, Lil Kim shared it on her Instagram Story. Miles was solely 17 on the time.
The tik tok women are actually killing it wow 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/welUGDK3ba
— LawToya 💗 (@ToyaRochelle) May 3, 2020
When she’s not performing, the Philadelphia native can be a thriving scholar and athlete. She’s learning nursing at Bowie State after graduating as valedictorian from Washington D.C.’s Model Secondary School for the Deaf. Miles can be a cheerleader for the celebrated HBCU.
Most just lately, she participated 2021-2022 Deaflympics in Brazil with Team USA and gained a silver medal for the 4X100 ladies’s observe relay group.