I had to be about five years old when Vanessa Williams was crowned Miss America. Watching the Miss America pageant was a tradition in my household -that and watching the apple drop in Time Square on New Year's Eve.
I remember my parents cheering and shouting about the 'first black Miss America'! They ooo'd and awe'd about how beautiful she was during the pageant. They talked about her poise and how she killed the talent competition with her beautiful singing voice.
I also remember the scandal that soon followed. At the time, I didn't understand the full details, but I remember someone saying something about "bad pictures" that she had taken in college. I remember thinking how unfair that sounded, but it wasn't until later in life did I get to see the real picture. There were a lot of racist people upset about a black woman being crown "Miss America". They dug until they found the "dirty photos", which really were photos taken for artistic purposes-not pornographic.
After the 'scandal', Vanessa Williams took the R&B world by storm. She wasn't just a mediocre singer, she had a very successful singing career. It seemed as though she didn't miss a step. I remember thinking how brave she was. Later in her career, she began acting in movies and TV shows (Soul Food, Hoodlum, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives and many more). She also had major beauty endorsements. She could have decided to life a life of obscurity, instead she proved that she didn't need anyone to be successful. She let her talent pave the way.
My dad called me last night after seeing the Miss America Pageant CEO apologize to Vanessa. I must admit I was surprisingly emotional about it, but more so inspired. I hope that the pageants and talent showcases that I will host under my new venture Dynasty Gems will also serve as a platform for young girls in the community.
Perhaps the girls will chose to compete in pageants as means to win scholarship money throughout college. Maybe one of them will be crowned the next Miss America. Perhaps one of them will gain the confidence to be the next Mayor of the city! Perhaps will gain the confidence to be an entertainer. The possibilities are endless!
Cheers to a classy, talented woman-Vanessa Williams. She carved the way for many women after her in the pageant and entertainment industry. Shout out to the Miss America Pageant for getting it right. Vanessa Williams in the MOST recognized and successful Miss America Queen of all times- black or white!
Funny fact... A couple of weeks ago, I found the above picture for Vanessa Williams while looking for pictures for my pageant and talent show website and saved it. But today (after the apology) I can only find black and white pictures of her in her crown. Pictures in color are now listed under "Vanessa Williams Miss America Scandal". I just have to laugh. Even today they want to strip her of her dignity, but it is all in vain. We loved Vanessa then, and we love her now. You can't stop a train with a pinto!
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