The black community of the Caribbean 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 the Caribbean 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 the Caribbean developed their own distinct identity which combines European settler culture and languages 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 "West Indian" and "Afro Caribbean". Let us meet my favorite black beauties from the English, French and Dutch-speaking regions of the Caribbean who competed in the Miss Universe pageant. While majority represented their native Caribbean countries, there are some mixed-race descendants who represented the countries they were raised in.
Let’s get to know my favorite Miss Universe contestants from the land of the rising sun, Japan. Majority are of Yamato Japanese background while some are of mixed-race heritage, particularly in Okinawa, due to its US administration history. For their national costumes, representatives usually wore the kimono, the traditional and national attire of the Japanese people. While most of the delegates represented Japan, some represented Okinawa, a region of Japan which was under United States administration from 1945 until 1971.
Akiko Kojima (児島 明子) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 1959. She won the national title on her third attempt (she finished as 1st runner-up in 1953 and had to withdraw in 1958 due to a vehicular accident). At the time, she was based in Tokyo working as a fashion model. The stunning, porcelain-skinned beauty soon represented Japan in the Miss Universe 1959 pageant held in Long Beach, California. Noted for her voluptuous figure and elegance, Akiko became a crowd favorite during the pageant and won the title of Miss Universe 1959. She is notably the first Miss Universe titleholder from Asia.
Leiko Arakaki (レイコ・アラカキ) won the title of Miss Okinawa 1965. At the time she won the title, Leiko was working as a sales clerk in an American Post Exchange store. Leiko is from a mixed background, being born to an Okinawan mother and an American military father, who flew back to the United States before she was born. The voluptuous, auburn-haired Eurasian beauty soon represented Okinawa in the Miss Universe 1965 pageant held in Miami, Florida. She was notable among journalists covering the pageant as she expressed her intention to find and meet her American father while in the United States. After the pageant, Leiko returned to Okinawa and did some modeling jobs. Years later, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked as a Playboy bunny and model using the name "Lieko English".
Kikuyo Osuka (大須賀喜久代) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 1969. Hailing from Nagoya, she was working as a model at the time she won the national title. Kikuyo then represented Japan in the Miss Universe 1969 pageant held in Miami, Florida. During the pageant finals, the raven-haired Japanese beauty was announced as among the Top 15 semi-finalists and emerged as a favorite, eventually finishing as 4th runner-up.
Jun Shimada (嶋田じゅん) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 1970. From Tokyo, Jun comes from a mixed background; her father is American while her mother is Japanese. At the time she won the national title, she has done modeling jobs and was studying modern dance. She became Japan's representative in the Miss Universe 1970 pageant, where she participated in the Queen of Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan, and the actual Miss Universe pageant in Miami, Florida. Noted for her stylish short hair, Jun became a favorite during the pageant and was among the Top 10 best in swimsuit. On the pageant finals, she was among the Top 15 semi-finalists and eventually finished as 3rd runner-up. After the pageant, Jun did some modeling jobs and entered the local Japanese entertainment industry, appearing a variety shows as a dancer/performer.
Miyoko Sometani (染谷美代子) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 1973. Before winning the national title, she was based in Tokyo working as a model. She soon became Japan's delegate in the Miss Universe 1973 pageant held in Athens, Greece. Arriving at the pageant with shoulder-length hair, Miyoko notably opted for a shorter hairstyle to acclimate to the hot weather in Greece. Becoming a favorite during the pageant, she finished among the Top 12 semi-finalists.
Mizuho Sakaguchi (坂口美津穂) won the 1988 Miss Japan pageant for Miss Universe. Hailing from Osaka, Mizuho has lived in New York City during her childhood, and is fluent in both Japanese and English. At the time she won the national pageant, Mizuho was completing a degree in American literature and was planning to pursue a career in TV broadcasting. She soon represented Japan in the Miss Universe 1988 pageant held in Taipei, Republic of China. During the pageant, she was awarded 2nd runner-up in the Best National Costume. During the pageant finals, Mizuho was announced as among the Top 10 semi-finalists. Admired for her candid charisma during the interview portion, she emerged as a crowd favorite, eventually finishing as 3rd runner-up. After the pageant, she briefly worked in the local Japanese media industry as a TV host.
Miyako Miyazaki (宮崎京) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 2003. Hailing from Kumamoto, she holds a degree in American literature and is an expert in Japanese calligraphy. Before winning the national title, she has obtained a teaching certificate and has also done modeling jobs. Miyako soon represented Japan in the Miss Universe 2003 pageant held in Panama City, Panama. With her stunning looks and a daring evening gown, Miyako became a crowd favorite during the pageant. The Japanese beauty broke Japan's 14-year placement drought in the pageant, eventually finishing as 4th runner-up. Miyako soon became active in the local Japanese entertainment industry as a model, stage actress and TV personality. She also served as a catwalk mentor for the Miss Universe Japan organization.
Kurara Chibana (知花 くらら) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 2006. Born and raised in Okinawa, Kurara graduated with a degree in educational philosophy and has lived abroad while completing her studies. Aside from her native Japanese, Kurara also speaks English, French and Spanish. Before winning the national title, Kurara has worked as feature reporter for a fashion magazine. The stunning beauty soon became Japan's delegate in the Miss Universe 2006 pageant held in Los Angeles, California. With her striking looks and vivaciousness, she became a crowd favorite during the pageant. She also won the Best National Costume award for her samurai-inspired national costume. Kurara eventually finished as 1st runner-up during the pageant finals. After the pageant, Kurara continued her career as a reporter and has also ventured in modeling and being a brand spokesperson. She was appointed as a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations for her humanitarian advocacy against hunger.
Riyo Mori (森 理世) won the title of Miss Universe Japan 2007. Born and raised in Shizuoka, Riyo has also studied abroad and is fluent in both Japanese and English. Before winning the national title, she recently completed an overseas dance course specializing in ballet and jazz, and was pursuing a career as a professional dancer. Riyo soon represented Japan in the Miss Universe 2007 pageant held in Mexico City, Mexico. Noted for her vivaciousness and charm, she became a favorite during the pageant. On the pageant finals, Riyo was among the Top 16 semi-finalists and topped the swimsuit portion with her flashy catwalk. After an impressive performance during the evening gown and interview portions, Riyo eventually won the title of Miss Universe 2007. She became the second Japanese delegate to win the Miss Universe title. After her reign, Riyo returned to Japan and became active in the modeling industry, appearing in various advertisements and established a local dance school with her mother.
Black
Deise Nunes won the title of Miss Brasil 1986 (Miss Brazil). Deise comes from a multiracial background, being born to a black mother and a white father whom she never met; her mother, who was working a maid, got pregnant by her employer's nephew. Hailing from Rio Grande do Sul, Deise's victory was notable as she is celebrated as being the first black woman to win the title of Miss Brasil.
Black Caribbean
Cur68/Hai75/Jam10
The black community of the Caribbean 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 the Caribbean 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 the Caribbean developed their own distinct identity which combines European settler culture and languages 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 "West Indian" and "Afro Caribbean". Let us meet my favorite black beauties from the English, French and Dutch-speaking territories of the Caribbean and the Atlantic regions who competed in the Miss Universe pageant. While majority represented their native Caribbean countries, there are some mixed-race descendants who represented the countries they were raised in.
Anne Marie Braafheid won the title of Miss Curaçao 1968. Born in Surinam, she and her family moved to Willemstad, Curaçao at a young age and is fluent in 5 languages - Papiamento, English, Dutch, Spanish and French. At the time when she won the title, she was working as a primary school teacher and has experience in ballet, acting and theater. Anne Marie soon represented Curaçao in the Miss Universe 1968 pageant held in Miami, Florida. With her exotic looks and svelte figure, the stunning black beauty became a favorite during the pageant, being among the Top 15 Best in Swimsuit and eventually finished as 1st runner-up. After the pageant, Anne Marie appeared in a minor role in the 1970 Italian film Le tue mani sul mio corpo (Your Hands on My Body).
Margaret Hill finished as the 1st runner-up of the Miss Bermuda 1969 pageant. From Hamilton Parish, she was at the time working as an executive secretary and was aspiring to become an actress and a model. Margaret soon became Bermuda's representative in the Miss Universe 1970 pageant held in Miami, Florida. Noted for her natural afro hairstyle, the stunning black beauty was voted Miss Photogenic by press photographers covering the pageant.
Cherri Creque finished as 1st runner up in the Miss Virgin Islands 1971 pageant. She succeeded to the title of Miss Virgin Islands 1971 after the original titleholder was disqualified over the age criteria in the upcoming international pageant. Hailing from St. Thomas, Cherri was a college student at the time when she ascended to the title. The voluptuous black beauty soon became the US Virgin Islands' representative in the Miss Universe 1971 pageant held in Miami, Florida. Competing as "Miss Virgin Islands", she was among the Top 10 best in swimsuit and eventually finished among the Top 12 semi-finalists.
Gerthie David won the Miss Haiti 1975 pageant sponsored by the Haiti National Office of Tourism. Hailing from Port-au-Prince, Gerthie was a student at the time, aspiring to pursue a career in fine arts and interior design. She also works as a part-time model and is fluent in French, English and Spanish. She soon became Haiti's delegate in the Miss Universe 1975 pageant held in San Salvador, El Salvador. The elegant black beauty emerged as a favorite during the pageant finals, being announced as among the Top 12 semi-finalists and eventually finishing as 1st runner-up.
Nancy Neede won the title of Miss Holland 1984. Born and raised in Amsterdam, she comes from a mixed background; her mother is Dutch while her black father is originally from Suriname. Before winning the national title, Nancy has worked as a professional dancer on TV shows and was doing modeling jobs across Europe. Celebrated as the first black Miss Holland, Nancy soon represented Holland in the Miss Universe 1984 pageant held in Miami, Florida. With her exotic looks and strong stage presence, the statuesque beauty became a huge favorite during the pageant and finished among the Top 10 semi-finalists. Nancy soon became Holland's delegate in the Miss World 1984 pageant held in London, United Kingdom, where she finished among the Top 15 semi-finalists.
Yendi Phillipps won the title of Miss Jamaica World 2007. Before winning the national title, Yendi completed a bachelor's degree in fine arts and a master's degree in leisure studies. Born and raised in Kingston, Yendi comes from a Jamaican family with Lebanese roots. She is also an avid dancer and has done local modeling jobs. The statuesque black beauty soon represented Jamaica in the Miss World 2007 pageant held in Sanya, China. A favorite during the pageant, she finished among the Top 16 semi-finalists. Years later, Yendi competed in and won the Miss Jamaica Universe 2010 pageant. By that time, she has been working as a commercial and print model, both locally and abroad. She then became Jamaica's delegate in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Noted for her exotic looks and strong stage presence, Yendi was among the Top 15 semi-finalists where she topped the swimsuit portion and eventually finished as 1st runner-up.
Kaci Fennell won the title of Miss Universe Jamaica 2014. Before winning the national title, Kaci has been doing modeling jobs, both locally and abroad, while pursuing a degree in special education. Hailing from Kingston, she comes from a Jamaican family with English, French and Indian roots. She soon represented Jamaica in the Miss Universe 2014 pageant held in Miami, Florida. Noted for her short, pixie-cut hairstyle and strong stage presence, Kaci became a huge favorite during the pageant. After an impressive performance during the pageant finals, the stunning multiracial beauty finished as 4th runner-up.
Davina Bennett won the title of Miss Universe Jamaica 2017. Before winning the national title, Davina was working as a model while pursuing a degree in marketing. Hailing from Clarendon, she also manages her own foundation that spreads awareness for the deaf community. She soon became Jamaica's delegate in the Miss Universe 2017 pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Noted for her charisma and natural afro hair, Davina became a crowd favorite during the pageant. After an impressive performance during the pageant finals, the statuesque black beauty eventually finished as 2nd runner-up.
Dee-Ann Kentish-Roges won the title of Miss Universe Great Britain 2018. Dee-Ann was born and raised in Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory. By the time she won the national title, she has already graduated with a law degree and was working a barrister. Aside from her career in law, she was also a professional athlete having competed in several international sports events. Dee-Ann soon became the representative of Great Britain in the Miss Universe 2018 pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand. Noted for dreadlocks hairstyle and charisma, the stunning black beauty became a favorite and finished among the Top 20 semi-finalists. Years after the pageant, Dee-Ann entered politics in her native Anguilla, becoming a member of the House of Assembly and has been appointed as the minister of education and social development.
Black United States
The black community in the United States 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 the United States 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 American community developed their own distinct identity which combines American settler culture and languages with surviving elements of their African origins. Some are also of mixed ancestry, reflecting the colonial history of the United States. The black American community also extends to the various black immigrants from Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, who have assimilated to the local black American culture and society. They are also known by the terms "Afro American" and "African American". Let us meet my favorite black American beauties who competed in the Miss Universe pageant. While majority competed as Miss USA, there are some mixed-race descendants who represented other countries.
USA 1990
USA 1993
France 2009
Japan 2015
USA 2016
USA 2017
USA 2019
Jamaica/Virgin Islands 1972
Trinidad & Tobago 1973
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