5 Major Pageant Winners Are All Black Women for the First Time

For the first time ever, black women hold the titles for Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe and now Miss World.

Jamaican model Toni-Ann Sighn helped set the new record when she was crowned Miss World on Dec. 14.

The crowns for Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe all went to black women, and now added to the list is the new Miss World, Toni-Ann Sighn (23), from Jamaica.

She joins the ranks of the women who hold the 2019 titles: Miss America Nia Franklin, Miss USA Chelsie Kryst, and Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris, and the recently crowned Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.

While black women have worn each of the crowns before, it’s never been in the same year. It marks a moment in history.

Miss World Jamaica took her final walk in a stunning silver dress after being crowned by Miss World 2018 Vanessa Ponce De Leon.

The three-hour broadcast saw contestants show off all the hard work they’ve been putting into the competition in the last few weeks, including prepping for a synchronised dance routine.

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Toni-Ann also stunned the audience with her amazing voice when she sang Whitney Houston’s classic, I Have Nothing.

Now that she owns the crown for the next year, Toni-Ann will have the opportunity to travel the world, making a difference through a number of philanthropic projects.

Beauty Pageant in the Oldies

Beauty pageants early in their histories, some dating back to the 1920s, barred women of color from participating. Even after organizations began changing their rules to accept women of all races, there was still a lingering frustration and opposition to join.

Only in the last 50 years have black women become more prevalent in these competitions. Janelle Commissiong was the first black Miss Universe in 1977, Vanessa Williams was the first black Miss America in 1983, and Carole Anne-Marie Gist, the first black Miss USA contestant, was crowned in 1990. The following year Janel Bishop became the first black Miss Teen USA.