This Day in History: Vanessa Williams Becomes First Black Miss America in 1983

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Suzette Charles, Miss New Jersey, the first runner up, applauds the newly crowned Miss America, Vanessa Williams, Sept. 17, 1983 in Atlantic City. It is the first time there have been two blacks in that position. (AP Photo)
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Actress and singer Vanessa Williams was born in the Bronx, New York, on March 18, 1963. In 1983, she made as the first Black woman crowned Miss America.

However, after nude photos surfaced, she was pressured to resign—a setback that paved the way for an epic comeback. Williams launched a successful music career, recording the timeless hit “Save the Best for Last” in 1991. She also became a celebrated actress, starring in television and film.

Vanessa Williams resigns as Miss America at a press conference at the Sheraton Center on July 23, 1984. She resigned her title because sexually explicit photos of herself were published in Penthouse Magazine. (AP Photo)

Today, she continues to shine, currently leading “The Devil Wears Prada” on London’s West End.


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