Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images; Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images; D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra
As the 2026 Miss USA Pageant prepares to crown its next winner, we’re looking back at the Black women who have claimed the title over the past three decades. From Miss USA winners like Kenya Moore and Deshauna Barber to lesser-known champions, these women brought talent, presence, and representation to one of America’s most visible pageants. Some went on to build major careers in entertainment and advocacy, while others used their platforms to champion causes close to their hearts.
The journey of Miss USA winners tells a deeper story about representation, resilience, and what happens when women of color claim space in traditionally exclusive spaces.
What Is the Miss USA Pageant?
Created in 1952, the Miss USA pageant is distinct from Miss America. Contestants compete in evening gown, interview, and swimsuit categories, with the winner going on to represent the country at the annual Miss Universe pageant. It’s one of the longest-running beauty competitions in the nation.
Who Are the Black Women in the Running for Miss USA 2026?
This year’s competition includes a strong slate of Black contestants across multiple states. Those vying for the crown are: Miss California USA Acacia McBride, Miss Connecticut USA Jaeden Hamelly, Miss District of Columbia USA Kennedy JoAnn Lucas, Miss Indiana USA Eniola Oke, Miss Kentucky USA Brijet Finister, Miss Massachusetts Kayshauna Montaño, Miss North Carolina USA Myla Hadley, Miss Ohio USA Kayelin L. Tiggs, Miss Utah USA Alayzia Christopher, and Miss Virginia USA Justus Kelley.
When Will Miss USA 2026 Be Crowned?
The final night of competition takes place on Thursday, August 27. The winner will receive a six-figure salary, exclusive event access, and multiple speaking engagements throughout her reign. You can stream the pageant live via the Queen Beauty Network (QBN) app or on their website.
1990 – Carole Gist
Carole Gist’s victory in 1990 was groundbreaking. The Detroit native became the first Black woman to win Miss USA, a milestone that opened doors for countless women of color who followed. Her path to the crown wasn’t easy—she experienced homelessness as a child while her parents struggled with substance abuse. Despite these challenges, she persevered and made it to the Miss Universe finals that same year as first runner-up. Today, she works as the Wellness Coordinator at Wayne State University.
1993 – Kenya Moore
Kenya Moore’s 1993 win launched what would become one of the most recognizable careers of any Miss USA winner. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star appeared on popular shows like “Martin” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” before becoming a fixture in mainstream entertainment. Her pageant credentials opened doors that helped establish her as a television personality and successful businesswoman.
2000 – Lynnette Cole
Seven years after Moore’s win, Lynnette Cole claimed the Miss USA crown. She worked as a television spokesperson and served as Director of Global Relations and Education for the skincare and makeup brand Pür Minerals, leveraging her platform within the beauty industry.
2002 – Shauntay Hinton
A Mississippi native and Howard University graduate, Shauntay Hinton won Miss USA in 2002. She translated her pageant success into television work, appearing as a frequent guest co-anchor and panelist on HLN network shows. She also scored a two-episode role on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly,” building a diversified career in media and entertainment.
2008 – Crystle Stewart
Crystle Stewart’s 2008 victory marked another significant moment for Black representation in the pageant world. What’s notable about her trajectory is that she remained deeply connected to the pageant industry after her reign. She became the national director of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, overseeing the split of these pageants into a new independent organization separate from the Miss Universe Organization.
2016 – Deshauna Barber
Deshauna Barber made history in 2016 as the first U.S. military member to win Miss USA. She transformed her platform into meaningful advocacy work, becoming president and CEO of the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN). In 2024, she founded Women Veterans for Change before transitioning to serve as Executive Director of Veterans Community Project Saint Louis, where she continues to support those who’ve served.
2017 – Kára McCullough
The following year, another Miss District of Columbia USA took home the crown. Kára McCullough, a chemist and South Carolina State University graduate, married former Toronto Raptors player Garrett Temple. She used her visibility to champion women in STEM fields, bringing scientific expertise to conversations often dominated by traditional beauty pageant narratives.
2019 – Cheslie Kryst
Cheslie Kryst’s story is a sobering reminder of the pressures that come with public visibility. The 2019 Miss USA was a licensed attorney in two states before winning the crown. She also worked as a correspondent for “Extra,” earning an Emmy nomination for her work. Yet in January 2022, at just 28 years old, Kryst died by suicide. Her posthumous memoir, “By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness,” detailed the profound psychological toll of life in the public eye and the relentless pressure that accompanied it.
2020 – Asya Branch
Asya Branch’s 2020 win was historic—she became the first Black woman to win Miss Mississippi USA and the first woman from the state to win Miss USA overall. Her background shaped her advocacy work. After growing up with an incarcerated parent, she launched “Finding Your Way: Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents,” with a sub-initiative called “Love Letters” that sends stationery to inmates so they can maintain contact with their families.
2021 – Elle Smith
Elle Smith, formerly Miss Kentucky USA, won Miss USA in 2021. During her reign, she supported organizations like Best Buddies and Smile Train, and advocated for cervical cancer awareness. Today, she has a modeling contract with Wilhelmina and is based in New York City, continuing to work in the modeling and entertainment industries.
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