The death of a black man; George Floyd, 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 and Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst to talk about the race and equality in the world. The two started their live by stating that it is about a very special reason which is close to their heart; the Black Lives Matter movement, the racial discrimination and the inequality that black people face not just in America but all over the world. Cheslie explained the entire scenario of how George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minnesota and went onto say that there was more than one officer at the time when George was pinned down. She went onto explain that it is just one of the many incidents that has taken place against Black People. Cheslie who is also a lawyer mentioned that 27% of the people who are killed by the police are black when they make 13% of the entire population.

Zozibini explained that she saw the social media post related to George that reminded her of an incident that took place in South Africa where a man was killed in his home by law enforcement. She stated that someone on social media stated that the person in South Africa was killed because he had consumed half a glass of alcohol. She compared the incident with George Floyd’s death who was pinned down because someone accused him for giving a fake 25$. Zozibini went onto explain that she remembers an incident where a girl was approached by a black man in the park who just asked her to put a leash on her dog and the girl replied by saying that she’ll call the police and tell them that the black man was threatening her. Zozi explained her point by stating that the white girl knew her powers because of her skin colour.

One of the viewers asked the queens about how important it is for them to use their platform to speak out? Cheslie replied by stating that it is very important for both as title holders and Miss Universe organization to stand up for their black queens. Zozibini mentioned that companies, brands, and a lot of people celebrate blackness when it comes to music, culture and much more which makes it even more important for them to speak up for themselves. Zozi stated that people should accept black people as they are and embrace their blackness. She urged people to stand up for black people if they are not okay with the on going behaviour but have no clue how to help black people. She gave an example by stating that one can help by standing up for black people in office or anywhere when they encounter a discrimination act. Zozi urged people to use their voice for the right thing.

The divas who had a long educational conversation regarding how people can use their privilege and power to stand up for what is right and not turn bling eye to something that needs their attention. The two stated that as of now, people can sign petition under which the police officers who were present at the time George was pinned down to be taken under custody, donate to a charity, vote to decide the man in the power. Cheslie also explained that ‘Black Lives Matter’ was a movement which was started years ago when Trayvon Martin was murdered by a man from his community who was eventually charged but not convicted. The movement was started in protest the community who believed that black people don’t matter and should be treated differently. The two queens who are powerful and use their voice for the right things have urged people to hold the people accountable who discriminate amongst people because of the colour.

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 USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst shared a posted on her social media with George Floyd’s picture and a caption, “I feel only rage. I’ve barely been able to put together a sentence all day and have been struggling to write a caption for almost an hour. Since my words have failed me, I’ll use those of a leader I respect. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” -Desmond Tutu.”