Black girl magic has reached new heights, this time in the pageant industry. For the first time in the history of Miss America—founded in 1921— Miss USA—founded in 1952— and Miss Teen USA—founded in 1983— the 3 reigning queens are all beautiful women of color.
African American women are not strangers to holding the title of Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, or Miss America, but the history books have been updated with note of this powerful trifecta.
Miss New York 2018, Nia Imani Franklin is crowned Miss America 2019. The 25-year-old is graduated with a degree in music composition and competed standing on the platform, “Advocating for the Arts.” In addition to her new title, Franklin also wins a $50,000 scholarships!
The 37th Edition of Miss Teen USA crowns Kaliegh Garris, an 18-year-old of New Haven Connecticut who sported her natural curly fro during the competition. Garris founded the organization We Are People 1st, which assists people with disabilities, and was founded due to Garris’s elder sister struggling with multiple disabilities
Completing the trifecta, Miss USA crowns 28-year-old, practicing attorney, Cheslie Kryst, as Miss USA 2019. Kryst hails from Charlotte, North Carolina. Her final question asked whether the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have gone too far, to which Kryst shares, “I don’t think these movements have gone too far. What #MeToo and #TimesUp are about are making sure that we foster safe and inclusive workplaces in our country.”
Seven years ago, in 2012, the crown holders and black girl magic duo, Miss Teen USA-Logan West and Miss USA-Nana Meriwether made history and gave us reason to celebrate as well.
Congratulations are in order for these ladies who each have their own personal reason of vying for the crown, but collectively inspire every little brown girl around the nation. We anticipate their reigns, and all Franklin, Garris, and Kryst will do for the culture.
We look forward to seeing Kryst represent the Unites States of America as she competes against more than 90 countries for the title of Miss Universe later this year.
