For the first time, black women have been crowned the top beauty pageants, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe and now, Miss World.
And that’s a big deal if you know pageant history dating back to the 1920s, barred women of color from participating.
Here are the ladies who defied beauty pageant norms
Miss World
Miss Universe
Tunzi hails from the town of Tsolo in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Along with English, the 26-year-old speaks Xhosa and has launched a social media campaign against gender-based violence.
At the Miss Universe pageant, Tunzi spoke about how conventional beauty standards haven’t typically included skin and hair like hers, encouraging women to embrace themselves and love who they are.
Miss Teen USA
Miss USA
Cheslie Kryst was named Miss USA 2019 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
The 28-year-old civil litigation attorney from North Carolina beat 50 other contestants to the crown.
Miss America
Nia Franklin also won the Miss America pageant last year.
With the fame they have now, they said they’re inspiring girls by telling them that nothing is impossible.