She didn’t win Miss World, but Miss Nigeria is making news today for showing the world how to be a friend.
When Miss Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh was announced as the winner of the Miss World competition on Saturday, Miss Nigeria’s Nyekachi Douglas couldn’t contain her excitement. She cheered and danced for her friend and gathered Singh and Miss Brazil’s Elia Coelho in one big hug, according to Today.
Viewers took to social media to applaud the exchange.
“In 2020 when your friend starts a new business, podcast, therapy, anything that enhances their life. Be her Miss Nigeria,” wrote Marianne Sunshine (@MissMSunshine).
In 2020 when your friend starts a new business, podcast, therapy, anything that enhances their life.
Be her Miss Nigeria. ????❤️❤️
— Marianne Sunshine (@MissMSunshine_) December 14, 2019
Another person wrote that what she had just witnessed is the only vibes she’s accepting from here on out. “Miss Nigeria’s reaction to Miss Jamaica winning #MissWorld2019 is the only energy I’m accepting around me!”
“Yep, cheer for your girls, revel in their success like it was your own. Life is so much better when you find joy in other’s happiness,” weighed in @FromShaw.
Yep, cheer for your girls, revel in their success like it was your own. Life is so much better when you find joy in other’s happiness.
— YouPeopleAreTheWorst/Vote Blue 2020? (@FrowShaw) December 14, 2019
Douglas didn’t stop there. In an Instagram Live video after the Miss World competition, Douglas called Singh “amazing” and said it was Singh who supported and encouraged all of the contestants.
READ MORE: Jamaica brings dreadlocks to the Miss World Pageant for the first time
“She would be the one who would be like, ‘Listen, you’ve got this,’” Douglas said, according to Today.
Singh, 23, also took to social media to thank her supporters and to encourage little girls worldwide to go after their dreams.
“To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world — please believe in yourself,” Singh wrote on Twitter. “Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a PURPOSE.”
To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica and all the girls around the world – please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a PURPOSE. pic.twitter.com/hV8L6x6Mhi
— Toni-Ann Singh (@toniannsingh) December 14, 2019
Miss World capped an historic pageant season. For the first time in history, all five beauty pageants were won by Black women: Miss Universe 2019 is South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi, Miss America Nia Franklin, Miss USA Cheslie Kryst and Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris. And now Miss World is Singh.
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The women support a slew of platforms that draw attention to women’s rights, prison reform, and music education. They all said they hope their platforms help to center the conversation on challenging conventional beauty standards.
Singh, who said she plans to go to medical school, graduated from Florida State University and earned degrees in psychology and women’s studies.