In 2001, 18-year-old Agbani Darego of Nigeria made history as the first Black African woman crowned Miss World. Her groundbreaking achievement came after nearly 50 years of the pageant.
Pageant Firsts in 2001
The 2001 Miss World pageant marked several firsts for the competition. It was the first held without longtime leader Eric Morley, who passed away in 2000.
The contest also allowed viewers worldwide to vote for their favorite delegate by phone for the first time. A record number of international contestants competed that year.
Historic Win in South Africa
The glamorous finale was held in South Africa, where Darego stunned the audience by being crowned Miss World 2001. As the first sub-Saharan African winner, she proclaimed “Black is beautiful” during her acceptance.
Nigerians celebrated the milestone of having their first Miss World after years of near misses. Darego’s trailblazing win ignited immense pride in Nigeria.
Backlash and Bloodshed in 2002
After Darego’s victory, Nigeria pushed to host Miss World 2002 to boost tourism and its image globally. But the country soon faced backlash.
Human rights advocates called for a boycott over Nigeria’s treatment of women under new sharia law. Deadly riots also broke out between Muslims and Christians, forcing the pageant to hastily move to London.
Enduring Legacy
Despite the controvery, Darego’s pioneering achievement endures. She paved the way for Black African women on the global stage and inspired many Nigerian girls.
Twenty-two years later, her poised runway walk in her olive green gown remains an iconic moment showcasing the beauty of African women.
