Tag: Beauty pageant

Gabrielle Henry is sharing her recovery journey after falling off the Miss Universe stage nearly a year ago and suffering a traumatic brain injury. She recently posted on Instagram detailing how her body has healed, the meals she's eaten during recovery, and hobbies she's picked up to stay sharp. Henry credits foods like green beans, eggs, ground beef, and Greek yogurt with helping restore her health. She also drinks turmeric tea with cinnamon and black pepper for anti-inflammatory benefits. During her recovery, she reconnected with reading, a hobby she hadn't had time for due to her duties as Miss Universe Jamaica and her doctor's schedule.

Former Miss Teen USA runner-up Gloria Almonte claimed that a 15-year-old Raven-Symoné, who served as a celebrity judge for the 2001 pageant, approached her after the show to brag about voting for her over the eventual Black winner, Marissa Whitley.

As the 2026 Miss USA Pageant prepares to crown its next winner, we wanted to take a look back at all the gorgeous and talented Black women who have won the title over the years. From notable names like Kenya Moore and Deshauna Barber to a few you may have never heard of, these women truly brought beauty, brains and some much-needed melanin to the annual pageant.

Since 1990, 13 Black and Black Biracial women have shaped the history of Miss USA. From the military to STEM and journalism to criminal justice reform, these women broke barriers, redefined leadership, and used the crown for impact far beyond the stage.