Photos: Miss Angola 2011: The Second Black African Woman to Win Miss Universe Crown (PHOTOS)

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | Sep 13, 2011 03:32 AM EDT

The cynicism about Miss Universe pageant being racist was slammed as Leila Lopes, Miss Angola 2011, won the Miss Universe 2011 crown at Sao Paulo in Brazil on Monday.

Leila Lopes is the second black African woman and the fourth black woman in the world to win the Miss Universe title. Lopes is also the first ever from her home country Angola to get crowned “Miss Universe.”

Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana was the first black African to win Miss Universe title in 1999. Janelle Commissiong of Trinidad & Tobago became the first woman of African descent to be crowned Miss Universe, in 1977.

Lopes was among the final five vying at the Miss Universe 2011 contest after making it through to the swimsuit and evening gown rounds.

Miss Ukraine Olesya Stefanko (1st Runner up) , Miss Brazil Priscila Machado (2nd Runner up) , Miss Philippines Shamcey Supsup (3rd Runner up) and Miss China Zilin Luo (4th Runner up) made it to the top five at the competition, which was held at Brazil’s Credicard Hall.

Leila Lopes was asked if she could change one of her physical characteristics, which one would that be and why?

Lopes used a translator to answer the question and that answer won her the coveted title.

"I wouldn’t change a thing. I am endowed with inner beauty. I have my principles. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family,” she said, advising, "Respect one another."

Catch a glimpse of the fourth Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes below: