Black Lives Matter: “A shift needs to happen; it’s been way too long”

When Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi marched in the Black Lives Matter protests in New York City, took to Instagram and expressed her thoughts, “how young people in her native South Africa died fighting for the same cause 44 years ago.”

Tunzi has joined the global protest against racism, fuelled by the unjustified murder of George Floyd. Marching for the “Black Lives Matter” protests in New York was a stark reminder that black people everywhere still have to fight for acknowledgement, says beauty queen.

The incident which spread like fire over the internet that shook humanity to the core and people could not stay calm anymore. Zozi spoke her mind on those who remain silent on the fight for equality and has used her Miss Universe title to speak about cause that is close to her heart.

People all around the globe have been protesting through social media against racism and standing up for what is right for society. Our reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, also spoke about the brutal murder that happened in broad daylight, on her Instagram post, “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 actually choose a side. I need you to say something. The time is always right to do what is right. So pull up!”

Recently, our beauty queens Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi and Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst marched for #BLM protest and Zozi expressed her feelings in a post captioned, “What an emotionally taxing week it has been. From #BlackLivesMatter peaceful protesting, to ongoing news of GBV and femicide. That even during a pandemic, women do not only fear for getting ill but also getting killed. Murdered by strangers and by their partners. Murdered in their own homes and in the streets. The world is not safe for women. A shift needs to happen..It’s been way too long. Personally I am tired. This has to stop.”

Tunzi also mentioned, how she has to deal with hate and racist comments or DMs. “People commenting on her skin color, or how I’m not deserving, or why I shouldn’t be where I am. Comments would consist of people calling me ‘black girl’, ‘the monkey’, and all those derogatory terms.”