Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 12.1K [articletop] Cassandre Jacques, a model representing San Juan in the Miss World Dominican Republic 2024 pageant, recently withdrew from the competition following a surge of racially charged criticism over her Haitian heritage. Jacques, also celebrated as First Princess in the 2023 International Coffee Pageant, faced backlash after her press debut, with critics claiming she was unfit to represent the Dominican Republic due to her ancestry. Historically, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, both once part of Hispaniola and colonized by France, have been separated by a complex legacy of racial and social injustices. The Dominican side largely identifies with a lighter-skinned population, descended from French settlers and historically oppressed Haitians, while Haiti, following its independence in 1804, embraced a Black identity despite ongoing racial struggles. Despite being neighbors, the two nations’ shared history has been marred by socio-political and racial divides that continue to surface in issues of identity. More Articles You Would Love #BeautyOfTheWeek: These Dark Skin Sisters Are The Internets Newest Sensation, And The Parents Are Ready To Turn It Up #GFDW Owusu Kofi Micheal, Julia Shika Odamtten, Radiant Jackson & Totally Ethnik @ Ghana Fashion And Design Week 2015: Day 1 In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jacques explained her decision to leave the competition. “After deep reflection, I’ve chosen to step away, a decision that was not made lightly.” She went on to thank her supporters and affirmed that her withdrawal marked “the beginning of new dreams and opportunities, which I’m ready to embrace with the same passion.” Jacques’s story has reignited discussions about race, nationalism, and identity, with her supporters calling for broader acceptance of diversity in representation. Her withdrawal highlights ongoing challenges for Haitians and Dominican-Haitians who strive to bridge cultural gaps in a deeply divided society. Show her support and follow Her here. Read More Like This On [penci_button link=”https://www.fashionghana.com/category/african-fashion-news/about-ghana/” icon=”fa fa-address-book” icon_position=”left” radius=”5px” size=”small” text_color=”#ecd29a” text_hover_color=”#ffffff” background=”#111111″ hover_bgcolor=”#000000″]Ghana[/penci_button] [penci_button link=”https://www.fashionghana.com/category/african-fashion-news/celebrity-watch/” icon=”fa fa-address-book” icon_position=”left” radius=”5px” size=”small” text_color=”#ecd29a” text_hover_color=”#ffffff” background=”#111111″ hover_bgcolor=”#000000″]Celebrity Watch[/penci_button] VISIT OUR SHOP Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Mud Cloth Trophy Jacket Womenswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, FashionGHANA Designs, Jackets & Blazers, Standard Measurements Sizes Rated 4.50 out of 5 $120.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Mud Cloth Trench Coat In Midi Length Womenswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, FashionGHANA Designs, Jackets & Blazers, Standard Measurements Sizes Rated 5.00 out of 5 $220.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist African Print Two-Piece Bikini Womenswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, FashionGHANA Designs, Swimwear, Standard Measurements Sizes Rated 4.67 out of 5 $60.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Fohrella Long Sleeve Asymmetric Baroque/Kente Shirt With Trousers Shirts, Button Shirts, Menswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, Fohrella, Trousers, Straight Trousers, Standard Mens Sizes $250.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Fohrella Ash Jeans & Wax Print Shirt & Shorts Menswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, Fohrella, Shorts, Knee Length Shorts, Shirts, Short Sleeve Shirts $140.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Mikoko Deluxe Deep V Swimwear Womenswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, Mikoko Deluxe, Swimwear, One Piece, Standard Measurements Sizes Rated 4.33 out of 5 $85.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist African Print Mini Wrap Dress With Puff Sleeves Designer/Brand, FashionGHANA Designs, Womenswear, Clothes, Boutique, Dresses, Mini Dress, Wrap Dress, Standard Measurements Sizes $140.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist African Print Wide Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress Womenswear, Clothes, Boutique, Designer/Brand, Dresses, FashionGHANA Designs, Maxi Dress, Wrap Dress, Standard Measurements Sizes $180.00 UPCOMING PRIORITY EVENTS! [penci_button link=”https://www.fashionghana.com/events/” icon=”fa fa-address-book” icon_position=”left” radius=”5px” size=”small” text_color=”#ecd29a” text_hover_color=”#ffffff” background=”#111111″ hover_bgcolor=”#000000″]VIEW ALL EVENTS[/penci_button][articlebottom] Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail FashionGHANA Admin FashionGHANA.com is a Fashion PR Company, Events planning & management team as well as Africa's leading Fashion Media House. Get Intouch with us and let's see how we can help you grow. info@FashionGHANAcom More For You VIDEO: Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina Robbed Off Miss Universe 2024 Title & Receives... After Pushing Out Chidimma, Miss SA’s European Queen Drops Out Of Miss Universe;... VIDEOS: Watch Chidimma Vanessa Celebrate At Miss Universe 2024 Whilst Dancing To Ghanaian... VIDEO: Watch The Moment Miss Grand Ghana 2024 Won Best Evening Gown VIDEO: Watch The Iconic Moment Where Miss Grand France 2024 Safietou Kabengele Removed... African Glamour Shines at Miss Grand International 2024 National Costume Competition PICS: Clinton Samuel Leads Charitable Initiative, Feeding 250 People In Ghana, Accra VIDEO: “It Is Very Exhausting Being A Black Creator” Sudanese Influencer Nyahyul Duir... Ghana’s Best Fashion Models Gear Up For Accra Fashion Week 2024 Model Casting... Miss Universe Set To Open Doors For Its First Hijabi Contestant Khadija Omar,...