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."
Édgar Barrera — the producer and songwriter known for his work with such artists as Madonna, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Shakira, Grupo Frontera and beyond — leads the 2023 Latin Grammy nominations with 13.
Insomnia has been an issue for many people for years. Dr. Rebecca Robbins, sleep scientist and co-author of 'Sleep for Success,' joined Cheddar News to provide tips on what to do before going to bed and how to successfully implement those steps for a good night's sleep.
Peruvian cuisine has been on the rise globally with some of Lima's restaurants named as some of the top eateries in the world. Cheddar News was on the scene at Artesano in downtown Manhattan where Chef Cesar Taboada displayed some of Peru's finest and most famous dishes, including ceviche, causa and lomo saltado. Taboada also explained the Asian influence on Peruvian cuisine that has helped the Andean country expand its offerings to hundreds of typical dishes on its menu.
British police said Monday that they had received a sexual assault allegation after media outlets published claims by several women against Russell Brand. Promoters postponed the remaining dates in a string of live gigs by the comedian, who denies the allegations.
It wasn't an escapee from the Country Bear Jamboree attraction, but a wild black bear managed to be the star of its own show Monday at Walt Disney World.
