Black beauties of Latin America in Miss Universe

The black community in Latin America are the descendants of enslaved Africans during the Atlantic slave trade that happened in the 16th century. Because of their history, many black people in Latin America are unable to trace their African origins but historical records show that their ancestors originated from ethnic groups in the Western and Central regions of Africa. The black community of Latin America have assimilated to the European settler culture and languages of their respective countries and combines it with surviving elements of their African origins. Some are also of mixed ancestry, reflecting the colonial history of their countries. They are also known by the terms "Afro-Latin American" or afrodescendiente (African descendant). Let us meet my favorite black beauties who competed in the Miss Universe pageant whose heritage is from Latin America. While majority represented their native Latin American countries, there are some who represented other countries in which they were raised.

Deise Nunes won the title of Miss Brasil 1986 (Miss Brazil). Hailing from Rio Grande do Sul, Deise comes from a multiracial background; she was born and singlehandedly raised by her black mother while her biological father is white. Her victory was notable as she is celebrated as being the first black woman to win the title of Miss Brasil. Before winning the national title, Deise was a college freshman while working as a professional model and has won several local beauty titles. The statuesque beauty soon represented Brazil in the Miss Universe 1986 pageant held in Panama City, Panama. Noted for her exotic looks, voluminous curly hair and charisma, she was a favorite to win the title. She won 2nd place in the Best National Costume award and on the pageant finals, finished among the Top 10 semi-finalists.

Denny Mendez won the title of Miss Italia 1996 (Miss Italy). Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Denny and her mother eventually moved to Florence, Italy at a young age after her mother married an Italian national. Aside from her native Spanish, Denny soon became fluent in Italian. Before winning the national title, she was pursuing a degree in tourism. She has also worked as a model and has also competed for a national beauty title back in Dominican Republic. Her victory as Miss Italia sparked national controversy as she became the first winner who is not of Italian descent. She soon represented Italy in the Miss Universe 1997 pageant held in Miami, Florida. With her exotic looks and charisma, the statuesque black beauty became a huge favorite during the pageant, eventually finishing among the Top 6 finalists. After the pageant, Denny returned to Italy and became active in the modeling and entertainment industry, appearing in a variety of local films and TV series. She had a minor role in the 2004 American film, Ocean's Twelve.

Carolina Indriago won the title of Miss Venezuela 1998. Before winning the national title, Carolina was pursuing a degree in civil engineering while also doing modeling and acting jobs. Hailing from Valencia, her victory was notable as she is celebrated as being the first black woman to win the title of Miss Venezuela. The statuesque, dusky beauty soon became Venezuela's delegate in the Miss Universe 1999 pageant held in Chaguaramas, Trinidad & Tobago. With her exotic looks and strong stage presence, Carolina became a huge favorite to win the title. For her national costume, which won 2nd place in the Best National Costume award, she wore an attire inspired by black women in colonial Venezuela who were freed from their enslavement. Carolina eventually finished among the Top 5 finalists. After the pageant, she became active in the Venezuelan entertainment industry as TV hostess and presenter.

Vanessa Mendoza won the title of Señorita Colombia 2001 (Miss Colombia). Hailing from Choco, she became the first black woman to win the national title. Before winning the title, she was based in Cali, working as a legal secretary while aspiring to become a model. During her reign as Señorita Colombia 2001, the Colombian government made a resolution to install electricity, running water and telephone services to her hometown of Unguia, an impoverished region in Choco. The stunning black beauty soon represented Colombia in the Miss Universe 2002 pageant held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Hailed as a huge favorite during the pageant, she won the Best National Costume award; her costume was inspired by the Barranquilla Carnival. Years later, Vanessa became active in politics, where she served as congresswoman in the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia from 2017 to 2018.

Yaritza Reyes won the title of Miss República Dominicana Universo 2013 (Miss Dominican Republic Universe). Born and raised in Santo Domingo, Yaritza has been singing from an early age and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Before winning the national title, she was pursuing a nursing degree while also doing some modeling and acting jobs. Yaritza soon represented Dominican Republic in the Miss Universe 2013 pageant held in Moscow, Russia. Noted for her charisma and voluminous curly hair, the stunning black beauty became a favorite during the pageant. During the pageant finals, Yaritza finished among the Top 10 semi-finalists. Years later, Yaritza won the title of Miss Mundo Dominicana 2016 (Miss World Dominican). At the time of winning the title, she was pursuing a degree in journalism while making appearances as an actress. She again represented Dominican Republic, this time in the Miss World 2016 pageant held in Washington, D.C. A huge favorite during the pageant, Yaritza eventually finished in 2nd place.

Raissa Santana won the title of Miss Brasil 2016 (Miss Brazil). Born in Bahia, she and her family moved to Parana, where she grew up. Before winning the national title, Raissa was pursuing a marketing degree while doing modeling jobs. Celebrated as the second black woman to win the title of Miss Brasil, Raissa became Brazil's representative in the Miss Universe 2016 pageant held in Manila, Philippines. Noted for her charisma and toned figure, the stunning beauty became a huge favorite during the pageant and was among the delegates selected to model in the Philippine Terno fashion show. On the pageant finals, she finished among the Top 13 semi-finalists. After the pageant, Raissa became active in the Brazilian entertainment industry, appearing in a reality TV competition and as a TV host.

Monalysa Alcântara won the title of Miss Brasil 2017 (Miss Brazil). Hailing from Piaui, she was pursuing a business management degree before winning the national title. She has also worked as a model and has competed in several local beauty titles. During her reign as Miss Brasil 2017, she co-founded a youth support group that tackles issues like bullying and low self-esteem. The statuesque black beauty soon represented Brazil in the Miss Universe 2017 pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada. With her exotic looks and feisty charisma, Monalysa became a crowd favorite during the pageant, eventually finishing among the Top 10 semi-finalists.

Ashley Cariño won the title of Miss Florida USA 2021. Born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, she and her family moved to Kissimmee, Florida, at a young age. Before winning the state title, she was pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering while doing some modeling jobs and managing a café business. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ashley soon became Florida's representative in the Miss USA 2021 pageant, where she finished as 2nd runner-up. After completing her reign as Miss Florida USA, Ashley relocated to Puerto Rico to compete in the Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2022 pageant. Winning the national title, she became Puerto Rico's representative in the Miss Universe 2022 pageant held in New Orleans, Louisiana. With her exotic looks and strong stage presence, the statuesque black beauty became a favorite during the pageant, eventually finishing among the Top 5 finalists.