The very first black Miss Universe Pageant winner was born in Trinidad and Tobago

In 1977, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Janelle Commissiong was named the first black Miss Universe. She migrated to the United States at the age of 13 after being born in Trinidad to a Trinidadian father and a Venezuelan mother in 1953. After finishing fashion school in New York City, Commissiong returned to Trinidad & Tobago. She became a passionate champion for the black community after her unexpected and controversial crowning, going to many nations to speak for black rights.

During the Miss Universe pageant, Commissiong was a popular competitor who won the pageant's photogenic competition. Despite this, she was not regarded as the favorite to win the contest. Most analysts predicted that Miss Austria, Eva Maria Duringer, would win the title. During came in second place. Commissiong was a vocal champion for black rights in nations where people of African origin were a minority during her reign (1977-1978), and she pushed for international peace.