5 Black Women Make History in the Pageant World

Beauty pageant history has favored white women since the 1920’s, when women of color were banned from even participating. Only in the last 50 years have black women become more prevalent in pageants, so you can imagine how truly remarkable it was when South African native, Zozibini Tunzi, was crowned Miss Universe on December 8, 2019, and shortly after that, Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World. This made Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss America, Miss World, and Miss Universe all black women. “We come from such a racially divided world and so for us to be moving forward in unity together. I’m so happy to be a part of this,” said Tunzi, stating that it felt amazing to be a part of celebrating “women that have rarely been celebrated in the past,” and that “finally people are starting to see the greatness that is within [them].”

These five women are role models to many young girls. Miss World plans to soon attend medical school, Miss Universe runs a social media campaign against gender-based violence, Miss USA is an attorney who hopes to help reform America’s justice system, Miss Teen USA stands up against beauty pageant norms, and Miss America works with a nonprofit group to help others through the power of music.

If there is one thing that all five of these women have in common, it is that they are all determined to make the world a better place. All of them have used their platform to change society’s idea of beauty. “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair, was never considered to be beautiful,” Tunzi said. “I think that it is time that that stops today.” They all want young girls to know that when they grow up, they should not be afraid to establish themselves in places of power or be shy about wanting to be a strong leader.

This is a historic first and a huge step for all of womankind, as these five women are an inspiration and example to women all over the world, regardless of race.