This Day in History: Vanessa Williams Becomes First Black Miss America (Sunday, Sep. 17th)
- 7 months ago
This Day in History:, Vanessa Williams Becomes
First Black Miss America.
September 17, 1983.
At the time of Williams'
historic title, the Miss America
pageant had a 63-year history.
Black women weren't
allowed to compete for the
first 30 years of the pageant.
A year after being crowned, nude photos of her emerged. She was forced to give up her title.
Despite the controversy, Williams launched
a successful music career. Her 1994 album,
'The Sweetest Days,' went platinum.
She also sang the Oscar-winning track, "The Color
of the Wind," featured in the Disney hit, 'Pocahontas.'.
Williams has also led a successful acting career, with roles
in film, television and on Broadway. She was nominated
for a Tony for her role in a revival of 'Into the Woods.'
First Black Miss America.
September 17, 1983.
At the time of Williams'
historic title, the Miss America
pageant had a 63-year history.
Black women weren't
allowed to compete for the
first 30 years of the pageant.
A year after being crowned, nude photos of her emerged. She was forced to give up her title.
Despite the controversy, Williams launched
a successful music career. Her 1994 album,
'The Sweetest Days,' went platinum.
She also sang the Oscar-winning track, "The Color
of the Wind," featured in the Disney hit, 'Pocahontas.'.
Williams has also led a successful acting career, with roles
in film, television and on Broadway. She was nominated
for a Tony for her role in a revival of 'Into the Woods.'