ATLANTA (WXIA) — When Zozibini Tunzi, Miss South Africa, was crowned Miss Universe 2019, she not only gained a historic victory for her country, but she also joins a list of other minority women taking the crown for the first time in history.
Miss Universe, Miss America, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA are all black women for the first time in history.
Miss Universe: Zozibini Tunzi
Tunzi’s win gives the country its second title in three years for a pageant that also saw strong showings from contestants from Puerto Rico and Mexico.
The 26-year-old's platform is fighting gender-based violence. Tunzi is currently studying public relations at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, but said she was forced to abandon her studies for a year because of her family's economic difficulties, Associated Press reports.
Tunzi will move to New York City, where she will live during her reign and become a spokesperson for various causes alongside The Miss Universe Organization.
Miss USA: Chelsie Kryst
Cheslie Kryst, Miss North Carolina USA 2019, was crowned Miss USA at the conclusion on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
Prior to her win, Kryst worked as a full-time attorney licensed to practice in two states. She now serves as a correspondent for ExtraTV.
Like Tunzi, she moved to New York City and is a spokesperson for various causes with the organization.
Miss America: Nia Imani Franklin
Nia Imani Franklin took home the crown for Miss America 2019 on Sept. 9, 2018.
Before she was crowned the prestigious honor, she represented for the state of New York.
According to the Miss America organization website, Franklin hopes to reach the next generation through music education.
Franklin, 26, is originally from Winston-Salem, NC.
Miss Teen USA: Kaliegh Garris
Kaliegh Garris, Miss Connecticut Tenn USA 2019, took home the title for Miss Teen USA on Sunday, April 28, 2019.
The A-Scene spoke with the 19-year-old during the 2019 Miss Universe competition at Tyler Perry Studios.
She shared her excitement right before Tunzi was crowned.
