Vanessa Williams became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1983

September 17

On September 17, 1983, Vanessa Williams became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America. 

In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history as the first African American woman to become Miss America. Less than a year after being crowned, Vanessa Williams gave up her title after nude photos of her surfaced online.

She went on to pursue a career as an actress, starring in Ugly Betty, Soul Food and Johnson Family Vacation. 

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Sources

A&E Television Networks. (n.d.-b). Vanessa Williams becomes First Black miss america | September 17, 1983. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/vanessa-williams-becomes-first-black-miss-america