Antonio Ferme editorZaila Avant-garde won the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday night, becoming the first Black American winner in the competition’s 96-year history.The 14-year-old from Harvey, La., correctly spelled “murraya” — defined as “a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees having pinnate leaves and flowers with imbricated petals” — to clinch victory.“Does this word contain the English word murray, which could be the name of a comedian or just an English name in general?” Avant-garde asked the moderators during the competition, referencing actor Bill Murray.Congratulations @basketballasart! #ZailaAndTheBeeFirst African American to take home the @ScrippsBee! (She’s also a 3 time @GuinnessMuseum holder and a top.
Read more on variety.com