Congratulations to Zozibini Tunzi who was crowned as Miss Universe 2019 at the 68th installment of the global beauty pageant.
The event was held at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on Dec. 8.
The 26-year old was crowned Miss Universe after wooing the judges over through the rounds of swimsuit, evening gown portion, questions on social issues, and the final question of explaining why she was the right choice.
“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,” she replied. “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.
The 26-year-old from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape was crowned Miss South Africa 2019 in August and is widely known for her work in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
The two runners-up for the crown were Miss Mexico and Miss Puerto Rico.
This is the first time in history that Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Teen USA, and Miss Universe are all black.
“Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it,” she said on Twitter. “May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine. I am #MissUniverse2019.”
