Miss Universe was crowned on Sunday, December 10th. South Africa’s Zozibuni Tunzi was crowned as Miss Universe. Broadcasted live from Atlanta, Tunzi took the title after competing with over 90 women.

Among many of the contestants that competed were runner-ups Madison Anderson from Puerto Rico and Sofia Aragon from Mexico. Also competing was Swe Zin Htet from Myanmar, who was the first openly gay contestant in the history of Miss Universe.

“Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it,” said Zozibini Tunzi.

Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss Universe’s winners were all black. Tunzi also became the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe since 2011 when Leila Lopes won.

“Congrats girl you did us very proud,” said Leila Lopes (Miss Universe 2011) on her Instagram.

Tunzi is an activist that has fought for many things including climate change, gender equality, and also natural beauty. Her most passionate fight, though,  is against gender-based violence.

“I think that gender equality is still an issue whether it be overseas or in the U.S. and that needs to stop being the case. Women should have the same voice as men no doubt,” said Ana Gonzalez (10).

Tunzi wants to empower young girls to more than what society labeled them to be. She has come out and said that women are the most powerful beings in the world and she hopes that young girls get every opportunity they’re entitled to.\

“It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time because of what society has labeled women to be,” said Zozibini Tunzi.