For the first time in history, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, and Miss Universe are all black women. I know it’s 2019, but sadly enough, we are still picking up firsts. I am so proud of our history makers. Black Women continue to prove that we are Queens by birthright.
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. I think it is time that 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.
Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019
I have stated often that being Black is a statement in and of itself. After being told repeatedly subliminally and explicitly that our black was not beautiful, we are seeing black representatives of beauty take the stage. I am a child of the ’80s and ’90s. I remember the day Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America. It was historic, but she still was far from a representation of me. And the powers that be made sure to show their content for her by stripping her of the crown months later. So, today is a huge day for a dark-skinned black woman like me with natural hair. Seeing so many tones of black women being exalted is special. This is why we must continue to call our women what they are, Queens. I am so honored to be able to use my platform to showcase the representations of beauty for a new generation.
Congratulations to Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe), Nia Franklin (Miss America), Chelsie Kryst (Miss USA), and Kaliegh Garris (Miss Teen USA) for being a beautiful reflection of black womanhood and the representation for future generations.
