On Sunday evening, Miss Universe 2017 was crowned. Congratulations to South Africa’s very own, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness and education. She beat first runner up, Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez and second-runner up, Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett. We rounded up all the melanated goddesses that competed in this pageant. See their fabulous dresses and learn more about each of the Black women that participated in the pageant. They are all winners in our book!
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1. DAVINA BENNETT – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 JAMAICA
Source:WENN
Miss Universe 2017 contestant Davina Bennett (Jamaica) was the second runner-up in the pageant.
2. DAVINA BENNETT – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 JAMAICA
Source:WENN
21-year-old Davina Bennett is pursuing a degree in marketing at the University of the West Indies. (We’re loving her afro!).
3. YASMINE COOKE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 BAHAMAS
Source:WENN
Miss Universe 2017 contestant Yasmine Cooke is a 4th year medical student in addition to being a stunner.
4. YASMINE COOKE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 BAHAMAS
Source:WENN
Yasmine Cooke received a B.S. in Neuroscience from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
5. YVONNE CLARKE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Source:WENN
Yvonne Clarke is a full-time student pursuing a degree in Clinical Sonography.
6. YVONNE CLARKE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Source:WENN
Yvonne is also the Managing Director of her own fashion business.
7. KARA MCCULLOUGH – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 USA
Source:WENN
Kára McCullough was born in Naples, Italy and due to her mom’s military job, has been exposed to many cultures.
8. KARA MCCULLOUGH – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 USA
Source:WENN
Kára was in the top 10 for Miss Universe 2017.
9. RUTH QUARSHIE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 GHANA
Source:WENN
Ruth Qurashie graduated from the University of Ghana Business School while modeling.
10. RUTH QUARSHIE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 GHANA
Source:WENN
Ruth is fluent in English, Fante & Twi.
11. LOUISE VICTOR – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ST. LUCIA
Source:WENN
Louise is the immediate past President of the National Youth Council of Saint Lucia.
12. LOUISE VICTOR – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ST. LUCIA
Source:WENN
Louise aspires to have a career in Global PR Consulting.
13. CASSANDRA CHERY – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 HAITI
Source:WENN
Cassandra Cherie is a freelance model and dancer from Port-au-Prince.
14. CASSANDRA CHERY – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 HAITI
Source:WENN
Cassandra enjoys giving back and speaking to young women about positivity, self-esteem, and confidence.
15. LESLEY CHAPMAN-ANDREWS – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 BARBADOS
Source:WENN
Lesley lost her father at the young age of 16.
16. LESLEY CHAPMAN-ANDREWS – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 BARBADOS
Source:WENN
The 26-year-old is described as having a love for life.
17. ISABEL CHIKOTI – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ZAMBIA
Source:WENN
Isabel earned her Bachelors Degree in Management from Sumy State University.
18. ISABEL CHIKOTI – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ZAMBIA
Source:WENN
She specialized in Management at the Faculty of Economics while at university.
19. KHEPHRA SYLVESTER – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Source:WENN
Khephera defines herself as a free spirit.
20. KHEPHRA SYLVESTER – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Source:WENN
It took Kephera a lot to step out of her comfort zone to join the world of pageantry.
21. ESONICA VEIRA – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Source:WENN
Esonica is a student at Alabama State University.
22. ESONICA VEIRA – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 US VIRGIN ISLANDS
Source:WENN
She is an active member in Forever VI Strong, a Caribbean relief effort to aid victims devastated by hurricanes Maria and Irma.
23. ANIKA CONOLLY – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 CAYMAN ISLANDS
Source:WENN
Anika works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist.
24. ANIKA CONOLLY – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 CAYMAN ISLANDS
Source:WENN
Anika teaches interviewing skills and office etiquette to students.
25. LILIAN ERICAAH MARAULE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 TANZANIA
Source:WENN
Lilian Ericaah Maraule is a radio personality (and producer!) for a program dedicated to African culture and lifestyle.
26. LILIAN ERICAAH MARAULE – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 TANZANIA
Source:WENN
She is also a model.
27. STEPHANIE AGBASI – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 NIGERIA
Source:WENN
Stephanie is in her final year of Law School at University of Nigeria.
28. STEPHANIE AGBASI – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 NIGERIA
Source:WENN
Stephanie is an advocate against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
29. AKINAHOME ZERGAW – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ETHIOPIA
Source:WENN
Akinahome is a management and fashion design student.
30. AKINAHOME ZERGAW – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ETHIOPIA
Source:WENN
Akinahome has a large family consisting of more than 10 brother and sisters.
31. LAURIELA MARTINS – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ANGOLA
Source:WENN
Lauriela is a first-year Architecture major.
32. LAURIELA MARTINS – MISS UNIVERSE 2017 ANGOLA
Source:WENN
Lauriela loves to go to the beach!
