As South African Zozibini Tunzi received the Miss Universe crown on Sunday, she said the moment made her feel "so proud" as she accomplished a long-awaited goal.
"It feels like I'm really doing something I set out to do. I really wanted so badly for young girls and women to look at me and see themselves represented and see their faces represented in mine," Tunzi told Cheddar Thursday.
When she won the crown Sunday night, the 26-year-old said "I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful. I think it is time that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face, and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine."
A self-described activist, Tunzi said she hopes to continue her work against gender-based violence and in favor of gender equality.
During the competition, Tunzi wore her hair short and natural, which she called "a symbol of my firm belief in fair representation."
This year marks the first time Miss America, Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe are all black women.
"It's so important for people to see things in order to believe them," she told Cheddar.
Celebrities and excited viewers chimed in online to offer congratulations to the new Miss Universe, including Oprah who tweeted, "Agree with you...leadership is the most powerful thing we should be teaching young women today."
The Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse.
A new pop-up is recreating Elvis Presley's famous living room from Graceland and will be in New York on Thursday and Friday. Kevin Kern, vice president of public relations with Memphis Tourism, joined Cheddar News to explain what pieces are in the recreated room, including a drink inspired by the King of Rock 'n Roll.
With the annual Beauty CEW Awards in tow, Brittany Lo, founder of Beia Beauty, joined Cheddar News to show and demonstrate some of her company's sensual care products. Beia Beauty is a finalist in the sexual wellness category.
A Texas county commissioner is facing a possible felony charge in Nebraska after accidentally shooting his 12-year-old grandson during a wedding he was officiating.
Jurassic Park and Lego are partnering for a movie.
Police in Iowa helped rescue an owl stuck in a soccer net.
A self-described gangster who police and prosecutors say masterminded the shooting death of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas in 1996 made his first court appearance Wednesday on a murder charge.
Staying on top of your personal spending shouldn't be as complicated as you think. Lazetta Braxton, a certified financial planner, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how to track that spending, such as grouping expenses into different categories.
Author James Patterson joined Cheddar News to discuss a new book he co-wrote with Mike Lupica, "12 Months to Live," their third project together and also spoke about their upcoming tour as well as his passion for child literacy.
Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs joined News 12's Elizabeth Hashagen to discuss how to elevate your party and snacks when gathering to watch football games.
