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Home · Beauty News

The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty

"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."
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
By Shalwah Evans · Updated December 6, 2020

On Sunday night Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi, was crowned Miss Universe in front of billions of viewers around the world. She joins the ranks of Janelle Commisiong (Trinidan and Tobago, 1977), Wendy Fitzwilliam (Trinidad and Tobago, 1998), Mpule Kwelagobe (Botswana, 1999), and Leila Lopes (Angola, 2011), other Black women who have been bestowed that title.

“Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it,” she said in an Instagram post. “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 proudly state my name Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019!”

Article continues after video.

As we enter into the final year to round off this decade, we currently have Black women holding crowns for Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and now Miss Universe. It’s a historical moment no doubt. And equally inspiring is the fact that most of these women, including Tunzi, took their walk donning their natural God-given crowns. It’s a message that you can be exactly you, and present how you choose, and still be seen as the queen you are.

With her beautiful melanin rich skin and close cropped 4C coils, Tunzi beat out thousands of other women in the worldwide pageant. And she’s deserving. After losing the Miss South Africa pageant in 2017, she wasn’t dismayed, and jumped back in this year to take the crown. She’s also a women’s rights advocate and supporter of the LGBT community.

At 5’10” she’s blessed with legs that never end, easily making her a runway favorite. She’s already walked in shows during Joburg Fashion Week in South Africa and in New York Fashion Week. And the beauty can also appreciate a good pilates class, as evidenced by her stunning bathing suit photos.

The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
TOPSHOT – Newly crowned Miss Universe 2019 South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi waves from stage after the 2019 Miss Universe pageant at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on December 8, 2019. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

We see ourselves in Zozibini Tunzi, and we take this win as a collective win for us, and for our girls. And these photos below are more evidence that our new Miss Universe is an unapologetically beautiful, natural, Black woman. We see you sis!

01
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi Is An Unapologetically Natural Melanin-Rich Beauty
She channels Grace Jones vibes in a sleek black bathing suit on a beach in Mauritius.
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
Instagram/@zozitunzi/@sincerely_obby
02
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi Is An Unapologetically Natural Melanin-Rich Beauty
Zozibini Tunzi walked the runway for the opening of Africa Fashion International’s Joburg Fashion Week in Sandton, South Africa earlier this fall.
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images via Getty Images
03
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi Is An Unapologetically Natural Melanin-Rich Beauty
In red lipstick and green feathers, Miss Universe is a melanin goddess to behold.
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
Instagram/@zozitunzi/@fadilberishaphotography
04
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi Is An Unapologetically Natural Melanin-Rich Beauty
Tunzi allured as a guest at the 2019 Feather Awards to highlight LGBT issues in Johannesburg this year.
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images via Getty Images
05
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi Is An Unapologetically Natural Melanin-Rich Beauty
Even in everyday selfies she stuns with a fresh face and gorgeous curls.
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
Instagram/@zozitunzi
06
Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi Is An Unapologetically Natural Melanin-Rich Beauty
And recovering from the flu, with no makeup (but don’t forget the bunny ears), she’s still bewitching.
The New Miss Universe Is An Unapologetically Natural Black Beauty
Instagram/@zozitunzi
TOPICS:  beauty Black beauty queens Essence News miss universe News Zozibini Tunzi
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