Black Women Ace All Five Major Pageants In The World

It was the first time in history when all five major pageants around the world were won by black women when Miss Jamaica, Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World 2019 on December 14. Before this, Miss Universe 2019 was bagged by Zozibini Tunzi, Miss America title went to Nia Franklin, Miss USA crown went to Cheslie Kryst and Miss Teen USA 2019 was named Kaliegh Garris. It was the 69th edition of the Miss World pageant at the ExCeL London in London, United Kingdom that marked the significant chapter of this history. Toni-Ann Singh was crowned by her predecessor Vanessa Ponce of Mexico event.

Ophély Mézino from France was named the runner-up and Suman Rao from India became the second runner-up for the crown. Singh took on twitter to express her elation on her victory, “To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world — please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a PURPOSE.”

With this feat, it has become evident how beauty pageants have evolved over with time. There was a time when only features affiliated to white women were preferred to win the beauty pageants — such as white skin, straight hair, and long locks. When Tunzi won the Miss Universe crown, she wore her hair into its natural cropped form. “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 beautiful,” Tunzi said as she was crowned. “I think it is time that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face. And I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.”

With still a long way to go, the evolution of the pageants is worth watching as these go on to become more liberal in terms of body shape, sexual orientation and sizes.