By Okon Ekpenyong

The Miss Universe competition is among the most prestigious international beauty pageants, attracting contestants worldwide. African countries have been making their presence known in this competition, and this year was no exception, with several African beauty queens competing for the coveted title, including Eritrea, making its debut.

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the Eritrean community in the Washington D.C. area came together to welcome their beauty queen pageant home. Snit Tewoldemedhin, a groundbreaking beauty queen, made history on November 16, 2024, becoming the first Miss Eritrea to compete in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, Mexico.

Although she did not win, Snit was recognized as one of the 7th Silver Finalists for the Voice of Change. She later shared her experience in this prestigious competition while speaking to the youth at the gathering. Snit emphasized that holding the Crown gives her a further platform to advocate for critical issues that matter to her.

Snit’s advocacy work, which she passionately shared with the youth, was deeply personal. It was rooted in her younger sister, who has a disability, and her mother, who tragically passed away from breast cancer. This personal connection to her advocacy work is a testament to Snit’s empathy and commitment, making her cause both relatable and vital. Her work is making a significant impact and is of utmost importance.

Snit expressed that wearing the Crown can create a significant impact by raising awareness about her beautiful home country of Eritrea. In addition to her historic appearance at Miss Universe, she was crowned Miss Africa USA in 2023, further solidifying her role as a leading ambassador for Eritrea and the African continent. This Eritrean-American is a talented, accomplished, and educated individual with a degree in neuroscience from George Mason University, where she focused on neuropsychological testing and psychology. Her academic achievements and experience in the beauty pageant world serve as an inspiration for young Eritreans and Africans around the globe.

She vows to help fight breast cancer and plans to open educational institutions for children living with a developmental disability in her native country and beyond. Her mission to educate Africans globally about children living with developmental disabilities is a beacon of hope, inspiring positive change and progress.

Globally, her academic achievements, life mission, and beauty pageant success make her a role model for young Eritreans and African youth everywhere. The Eritrean community in Washington, D.C., gathered in a heartwarming celebration to honor Snit’s achievements and welcome her home. The event was a testament to the community’s pride and admiration for Snit’s accomplishments and enthusiasm for her future endeavors. Her success is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the youth, showing them they can achieve their dreams using their brains wisely. Snit’s success has inspired the youth and instilled a sense of pride and unity within the Eritrean community.

During the voting process, Snit was moved by the significant global participation from Eritreans, highlighting their commitment and drive despite the country’s relatively small population of around 4 million. The enthusiasm and support of the Eritrean community were palpable, making it clear that they will always carry their country’s pride with them no matter where life may lead. This global support is a testament to the unity and pride of the Eritrean community, which is a source of strength for Snit and her cause.

While talking to the young people, Snit expressed her gratitude for their support and enthusiasm, which made her feel like she had already won the Miss Universe competition. She pledged to root for each of them and offered her support in any way she could. Snit emphasized their uniqueness, not only in appearance but also in the positive changes they could bring to the world. She encouraged them to engage with communities, prioritizing their well-being and using their intelligence wisely to advocate for causes that would improve their country and the global community.

The Eritrean-American was one of twelve beauty pageant contestants from 12 nations who made their debut in Miss Universe 2024, including Belarus, Guinea, Iran, Macau, Maldives, Moldova, North Macedonia, Somalia, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

Miss Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina, crowned Miss Africa and Oceania, was the only African to finish in the top 12, and she emerged as the first runner-up. Sakhile Dube of Zimbabwe and Logina Salah of Egypt made it into the Top 30.

Over the years, the following Africans took the top spot overall during the Miss Universe competition: Angola’s Leila Lopes (2011), Botswana’s Mpule Kwelagobe (1999), Namibia’s Michelle McLean (1992), and South Africa’s Margaret Gardiner (1978), Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (2017), and Zozibini Tunzi (2019).

Snit’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was nothing short of remarkable. It began with her winning the Miss Eritrea online and virtual competition. This November, she proudly represented her country in the Miss Universe competition held in Mexico City, Mexico, flying the Eritrean flag on the global stage. Her journey from being crowned Miss Eritrea to competing in the Miss Universe pageant is a testament to her remarkable resilience and determination. This personal triumph has filled the Eritrean community with immense pride and is sure to inspire others.

As Snit continues to inspire and empower her community, her legacy as a trailblazing beauty queen and academic achiever will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Eritreans and Africans worldwide.

Other Africans made their make in this year’s competition, starting with Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, who became the first runner-up and won the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania crown. Nelma Ferreira from Angola, Ilda Amani from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Logina Salah from Egypt were the others shining on the world stage and making it into the top thirty. Their achievements, along with Snit’s, in this year’s Miss Universe competition, are a testament to Africa’s talent and beauty on the global stage.

This year’s competition was historic for Snit and several other contestants making their debut. This demonstrates the growing diversity and representation in the beauty pageant world. African countries continue to substantially impact and showcase their beauty and talent globally. This trend is sure to inspire and uplift the audience.

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