The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on the Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer, has sparked outrage and protests in Minneapolis and across the United States. The people across the globe have been using their power of social media to protest the racism and standing up for what is right for the society. Our beauty queens who are role models to various other people across the globe have also described their anger, distressed, and sadness over the situation in the world under #blacklivesmatter.

Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, shared a post on her social media stating “Rihanna once said, "Tell your friends to pull up". This is that time! This time you don't get to sit this one out. You don't get to turn a blind eye. As a human being, it should also be your obligation to fight against racism and for another human's life. As uncomfortable as it may be, we need to root this thing from the bottom up. Your silence is painful. Remember the words of Elie Wiesel "Neutrality helps the oppressor never the victim". To not choose sides is to choose a side. I need you to say something. The time is always right to do what is right. So, pull up!” Zozibini who is herself is a black woman feels proud in her culture and values and has always tried to stands up for what is right. When she was told to put on a wig for the finale event of Miss Universe 2019, she refused to do so because she wants everyone to accept as she is, she wants to embrace her culture, ethnicity, and traditional values. She has been fighting against racism for a while now and now after George Floyd’s death, her work would just pace up.

Miss Universe organization also posted on their social media account, “Ours is a global community, and we firmly believe the only way forward is to collectively lift oppressed voices, learn from each other, fight for change and demand that our leaders serve everyone, not just their supporters. We must all do our part to contribute to real and substantive change in the hopes of creating a world where mutual respect and understanding are norm, not the exception.”

Miss Utah USA 2020 Rachel Slawson is known for speaking up on matters which are important and needed to be addressed. She also posted a post where she paid her respected to George Floyd’s family and stated that “I acknowledge my privilege as a white woman. Being queer does not diminish white privilege. I believe that #blacklivesmatter and these voices need to be heard, this rage needs to be heard.” She further added that she believes that it’s important that one should ask oneself that what is that we truly believe in, what world are we creating and if our actions are aligned with beliefs. “I am taking this time to be actively anti-racist by addressing any of my own leftover racist biases. I pray this time may be a time of awareness to unearth the rot in this country and in ourselves, and unite as a human family. We mend together, we are one.”

Miss Earth Organization also posted a picture in support of Black people where they mentioned that they stand against racism and they truly stand with their black queens and the entire black community and the racism should end. “We need to step up our efforts and actions to prevent skin color discrimination.”

Miss South Africa 2018 Tamaryn Green also stated, “With everything happening in the US we stand united. Not only in the US but worldwide. Stand up, Shout out. Enough! For you George Floyd, for all.”

Miss USA 2011 Alyssa Campanella mentioned that as a public figure and someone who has represented USA at international stage, she acknowledges her influence on social media and feels that it is now more than important to use her voice to stand against racism and become more actively anti-racist. “I’m dedicated to becoming a better ally, a better friend, and better support. As a white woman, I recognize that I benefit a lot from white privilege. The actions we can take now, including myself, include educating ourselves, listening, supporting communities, and starting the conversation NOW to end this cycle”, she added.

The beauty queens feel that they are in a position where they can stand up for something which is not right in the society and have the power to change it. They feel responsible and has urged their fans and followers to not accept or encourage any kind of racism in the society.

#BlackLivesMatter