6 Black Miss Americas Reunite

An excerpt from People - 

6 Black Miss Americas Gather for the First Time and Reflect on Winning: 'Grateful to Be Part of History' 

All of the previous Black Miss Americas were honored at this year's National Urban League Conference's Women of Power Awards

By David Chiu

Six Black Miss Americas reunite for the first time. Photo: Jared Lyons/National Urban League

History was made at this year’s National Urban League Conference’s Women of Power Awards luncheon on Thursday, July 25, when six of the nine Black Miss Americas gathered for the first time as part of a special tribute. 

Held in New Orleans on its 20th anniversary, the Women of Power Awards, hosted by CBS News national correspondent Michelle Miller, honored all the nine Miss America winners. They include Vanessa Williams (1984), Dr. Debbye Turner Bell (1990); Kimberly Aiken Cockerham (1994); Erika Harold (2003); Ericka Dunlap (2004); Caressa Cameron-Jackson (2010) and Nia Franklin (2019).

Williams, the first Black woman to win the Miss America crown four decades ago, wasn’t physically present at the awards ceremony because she is currently in the U.K. for her role in the upcoming stage musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada.

Despite not being present physically, she delivered a video message expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed on her and her Miss America colleagues.

https://people.com/6-black-miss-americas-gather-for-the-first-time-reflect-on-winning-8684660