@Bold One No one disputes she won. She was awesome that night and has had a great career. She is not even close to being the most successful Miss America post pageant. That's absurd and it can be quantified. Why does one have to be the most successful. Just celebrate her beauty and compare her to no one. She's in a class by herself.
Let’s be honest- how many crowned Miss Americas in the past 40 years are actual household names? She is still beautiful and elegant over 30 years later
she won fair and square with the highest score. They wrong in the wrong and to self righteous to take that crown from her. Miss America 1984 is Vanessa Williams . Not Suszette Charles.
@@jessestewart169 Exactly. Suzette only wore the crown for seven weeks. Seven weeks wasn't going to kill the organization at all. They should've shown grace and forgiveness for something out of Vanessa's control, but then again, this was the conservative 80's and the Reagan years. 😑😑😑
Vanessa didn't pose nude to gain fame...she was young and was talked into it by a charismatic photographer who later tried to blackmail her after she won...then he released those pictures to penthouse...Vanessa Williams coined the phrase " Success is the Best Revenge"....She is the most famous, most scandalous, and most successful Miss America all-in-one in the entire history of the pageant because she has real talent. She and Suzette Charles made history this night and will always be remembered as such.
Who cares? Obviously, with the end result, few people do. Those were more than just nude photos. If Americans are so pro-GBLT as they claim to be, some the questionable photos should be celebrated, not shamed. They were great photos; the photographer did a great job as well. All's well that ends well.
I remember this so well. Her father was my music teacher in grade school so we had a special interest in this. When she won I got teary eyed - my whole house was screaming with happiness! Not only did she deserve it but it also had special meaning as the first black Miss America ever and at the time it felt like breaking yet another barrier. Most of all I was happy she won because she was talented and has proved that many times over the years.
Technically, Miss Vanessa Williams had knowingly violated the Miss America rules on 2 counts: 1) she knew when she entered and signed their contract that she had the very explicit pornographic photos in her past (not just “nude,” they were depictions of her having oral sex with another woman, still viewable online) and 2) she knew she’d had an abortion in her teens, and the pageant required contestants to “never have been pregnant.” Among a long list of other sexist requirements. However, those rules were misogynistic and dumb anyway. Good for her for proving that shit doesn’t matter one bit as to what a woman is worth or what she can accomplish in life. True class. 👍🏼
I heard that she and Suzette were seperated by only one point. I can't see how, couldn't have been that close, she was head and shoulders above the rest that week and that night!!
Sadly, the media still defines her as the First Black Miss America Who Resigned Because She Posed Nude In Penthouse. It is like she's done nothing else in the 30+ years since and the chart-topping albums, Grammy nominations, Emmy nominations, successful acting career, etc., all pale in comparison to one mistake. If the media didn't constantly bring it up, I could easily forget that she ever won this competition.
Chauntel Bland while this is true it's important to realize that your life decisions stay with you. It's crazy I know especially since she was so young at the time but that in itself is a life lesson. We have all made some really dumb decisions as young adults. I don't think anyone bats an eye about hers. She has many fans!
She's done plenty in the years since. Vanessa did not hide in shame. My sister and I were jumping up and down the night she won.. We could not sleep that night! I have met her twice! Lovely woman.
She is not only the most famous Miss America but the most beautiful and talented one. She will always be my Miss America and the one I think of first before all others.
The first time l saw Vanessa because she was so beautiful l thought she wasn't real I thought where did this incredibly beautiful woman come from is she real l mean WOW
Werk, Wilhelmina, WERRRRRK!!! I will never forget witnessing this live on TV and being so proud as a young 10 year-old boy that a beautiful black woman became the very first black Miss America. Regardless of that whole Penthouse situation, it never made a difference to me because she STILL became the most successful Miss America in HISTORY!!! Success is DEFINITELY the BEST revenge and she showed THEM!!!
Lovely... sadly, of course, there are still the color bigots, the sex bigots, bigots of all kinds. This past election showed that. Yet, all these years later, Vanessa Williams is still beautiful inside and out. Just a great person!
Love her! I was so proud of her! The first pageant she won was Miss Syracuse upstate, my hometown. Then Miss New York. I wonder if she would have competed downstate she would have won her local pageant? She definitely had star quality, that is for sure. I like how she just dropped the crown on head, no pins or nothing and Vanessa is like, "yea, I got this."
Technically, Miss Vanessa Williams had knowingly violated the Miss America rules on 2 counts: 1) she knew when she entered and signed their contract that she had the very explicit pornographic photos in her past (not just “nude,” they were depictions of her having oral sex with another woman, still viewable online) and 2) she knew she’d had an abortion in her teens, and the pageant required contestants to “never have been pregnant.” Among a long list of other sexist requirements. However, those rules were misogynistic and dumb anyway. Good for her for proving that shit doesn’t matter one bit as to what a woman is worth or what she can accomplish in life. True class. 👍🏼
Wowsers!! Vanessa Williams is sthnning. Hell, she still is today. It's refreshing to know that despite the release of the scandalous pics, she was able to still achieve success as both a pop/r&b singer and an accomplished actress. Just awesomeness personified !!
Vanessa Williams -- positively glows. Indeed she does. She possesses total outward beauty because I can see it. And she shines with total inward beauty because I can hear it. Go listen to her sing ... Alfie.
They never should have stripped her of her rightfully owned title. I remember this. I was so angry. We don’t know what people have to endure in order to make their mark.
They did not strip her of the title. She resigned from continuing on with her Miss America duties. She will always be a Miss America. The pageant officials explained that in conjunction with Vanessa Williams' special appearance at the pageant in 2015. That night a pageant official publicly apologized to her for any distress her resignation caused her.
Some pageant observers that night say that Suzette was visibly upset at placing second. She certainly was a great talent, with a phenomenal voice. But talent isn't everything at Miss America. It's the composite score that matters. These things are mostly won in the interview in my opinion. Vanessa's career has been amazing, and where is Suzette now? It was nice that both of them got to wear the crown, because if there was ever a case for a tie, it was this night.
I am happy that this gorgeous lady overcame the horrible smear campaign by Penthouse and the media to become arguably the most famous Miss America of all! She is so talented and one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Here's to you, Vanessa - you really are a role model!
I was Homecoming Queen in 83/84 it was one of my favorite moments of my reign, I was so proud of her,& still is. This is America first Black Queen,& they made her feel like she wasn’t worthy, Vanessa you are and always be our First Queen. Love you 😘
She said in her book that during pageant week she won a preliminary in swimsuit and a preliminary in talent. Everyone told her whenever that happens that person always wins Miss America. She did not believe she would win until he announced Suzette Charles as the first runner up. That's when she realized that what everyone had said was true and that she had won even before he called out her name.
What a great memory! I remember seeing this on tv back in the day. One thing I remember is that I loved the gown she was wearing. Heh. Vanessa eventually became one of my absolute fave female singers. Thanks for sharing this wonderful memory!
I agree with u. Alot of people who are not black do not understand. That's why we get so upset about "others" tryin to dictate what a"real" black person looks like. If that's the case, I'm black and my sister is mixed because she is hell of alot lighter than me. Alot of non-blacks fail to realize that blacks have various shades within the same immediate family.
It's official. MISS VANESSA has the best "kiss my ass" story in pageant history. She has become a worldwide celebrity with fans stretching as far as Canada to Australia. As she stated to Barbara Walters, "The best revenge is success." That's for all the haters that tried to destroy her 25 years ago. GO WILLY!!!
The only Black American Woman ♀️ to Achieve The Iconic Historical Moment. And...Thirty-two plus years later. Mrs. Vanessa Williams is Gorgeous and still Beautifully talented as an Artist, Actress, Dancer, . Vanessa Williams is a remarkable entertainer also, as a true gifted "Headliner"!👏
I believe her scandal was more about sexism than racism! Vanessa is an alpha female,of color at that and you can just see she is destined for greatness here.Her interviews at the time were articulate,forward thinking and too conscious to be "Miss.America". I personally think they(the organization) would rather Miss.America be known for simply vanity purposes and a dense thought process because lets face it,it's run by old white with neanderthal ways of thinking toward Women & their capabilities.America wasn't ready for a Woman(of color) but Woman period to exude brains,beauty and assertiveness like Vanessa did and does.
The most important moment in the history of the pageant, and we can't get a clearer clip uploaded??? I guess even poor quality is better than none though.
I saw vanessa once back in the early 90's at an SNL end of season party. She was drop dead gorgeous in person. Of course we haveall aged 20 years since then.
This is Priceless. She shows me that a Royalty Dream can come true. I must play now" Imagine A King "by Whitney Houston. ⭐Queen Vanessa Williams ⭐Our ♥️ Miss America ♥️ Dr.Dixon 💗💗💗(Happiness)
Read her biography and see her interviews She is African American, welsh, and native American. That is her ethnicity. You can call her black, welsh, and native American. Saying she is only black doesn't make sense. She is mixed.
I remember that. I also remember the speech she gave when she relenquished her crown after the Penthouse pictures came out. And the hilarious thing is her career is still going while the Miss America pagent is on life support.
She started walking from excitement before they had a chance. You can see Susan Powell handing a pin to Debbie Maffett as Vanessa starts her walk. Everything is not done purposely. Watch Phyllis George in 1971. The crown falls off as she walks.
Two Miss Syracuse have won Miss America- the first African-American Miss America and the First Indian-American Miss America. I think there must have been rumors that this was the year for the former because once Suzette is announced as the first runner-up, Vanessa had a big smile and unlike most Miss Americas, didn't seem shocked at all when she was chosen.
It is my sad duty to inform you that Bess Myerson, Miss America 1945, the first Jewish winner, passed away on December 14, 2014; the news was recently confirmed by public records, q.v. The New York Times.
Bess Myerson had said in a interview a few years ago that Vanessa Williams was the best Miss America ever crowned. That regardless of the scandal her talent, beauty and intelligence was everything a true Miss America represents.
correct me if i'm wrong. after Vanessa and Suzette's reign the following Miss America's were African America: Debbye Turner (90); Marjorie Vincent (91); Kimberley Aiken (94); Erika Harold (03); Erika Dunlap (04) correct? While Angela Perez Baraquio is the first Asian-American Miss America, correct?
Miss Ohio Pamela Rigas is beautiful! She is one of only FOUR woman to make the top 5 at both Miss USA and Miss America! She was also third runner up at the highly competitive Miss USA 1980 pageant!
Your irritations are rooted in ignorance.Though physical slavery technically ended during that time, you cannot discount the psychological aftermath and the institutionalized forms of slavery and racism. It took another century for Blacks to have equal rights. To skip the aftermath of slavery is to skip an important part of history that has played a role in the problems of today. Yes, SOME use such history at their convenience, but it does not take away from the truth about it's ramifications.
I just noticed that the Miss America Organization just updated Vanessa Williams profile with a new photo. I also just heard the news story that the ABC Network just resigned the Miss America Pageant for 3-years in 2011 to compete against NBC's successful run of Miss USA. Since Vanessa was recently casts as the new housewife on Desperate Housewives, I wonder if she finally is going to associate herself with the pageant next year during the 90th anniversary. Perhaps cohost or make an appearance.
@ASU19992006 Indeed it is! Back in the '60s this became abundantly clear and then then whites/gov't shut it down. I've often wondered why non-blacks, particularly white/pink people, r so focused on black people.It is not mutual: black men weren't worried about the size of white/pink penis, black women weren't worried about white/pink women's sexual preferences, and weren't and still aren't pursuing pink males (in fact, historically, have had 2 fight them off). Pink people LOVE 2 hate on blacks
Yep, and I'm surprised more wasn't made of this at the time. IIRC, Debra Sue came out quite strongly and negatively wrt Vanessa. It probably wasn't all racism per se, after all, Debra Sue was looking for a career in entertainment too, and she probably saw competition. Plus, Vanessa's beauty was natural born. Poor Debbie supposedly had her eyes, nose, chin, teeth, breasts, hair, and more done before she became competitive after a gazillion years competing. Vanessa won in her first year.
I doubt they would even now days! Her being topless had nothing to do with her talents as a singer, or the fact that she won the crown fair and square! They should have been like, oh well, that was the past, and this is now! Sorry, but personally I think being topless isn't a bad thing! Not that I go around my place naked or whatnot, but hey, if you're comfortable with everything hanging out...then more power to you.
Success is the best revenge. Vanessa Williams is THE most successful former Miss America ever. Way to go. I love you.
mike ritchie I agree with you 100% about Vanessa Williams being the most successful Miss America ever and just so beautiful!!!!!!!!
Lee Meriwether and Phyllis George would disagree.
She's grown younger
@Bold One No one disputes she won. She was awesome that night and has had a great career. She is not even close to being the most successful Miss America post pageant. That's absurd and it can be quantified. Why does one have to be the most successful. Just celebrate her beauty and compare her to no one. She's in a class by herself.
They shouldn't. Vanessa Williams has been more successful that both of them.
Let’s be honest- how many crowned Miss Americas in the past 40 years are actual household names? She is still beautiful and elegant over 30 years later
You're right. I can't think of a woman more beautiful than Vanessa Williams. I love her voice. She's just very cool.
So true!
Most beautiful and talented out of them all
I don't remember the names of any of the others.
Why did you arbitrarily stop at 40 years? Because Lee Meriwether, Mary Ann Mobley, Bess Myerson and Terry Anne Meewsen are still household names.
Vanessa Williams is still a winner in my eyes!! Look what all she accomplished!!!🙋
she won fair and square with the highest score. They wrong in the wrong and to self righteous to take that crown from her. Miss America 1984 is Vanessa Williams . Not Suszette Charles.
I agree
@@jessestewart169 Exactly. Suzette only wore the crown for seven weeks. Seven weeks wasn't going to kill the organization at all. They should've shown grace and forgiveness for something out of Vanessa's control, but then again, this was the conservative 80's and the Reagan years. 😑😑😑
Stop trolling. Both women were Miss America 1984.
Vanessa didn't pose nude to gain fame...she was young and was talked into it by a charismatic photographer who later tried to blackmail her after she won...then he released those pictures to penthouse...Vanessa Williams coined the phrase " Success is the Best Revenge"....She is the most famous, most scandalous, and most successful Miss America all-in-one in the entire history of the pageant because she has real talent. She and Suzette Charles made history this night and will always be remembered as such.
that's right curse that mean dirty bastard to hell.
time to do porn
I remember this moment! I was SO HAPPY!!!
Who cares? Obviously, with the end result, few people do. Those were more than just nude photos. If Americans are so pro-GBLT as they claim to be, some the questionable photos should be celebrated, not shamed. They were great photos; the photographer did a great job as well. All's well that ends well.
@@darrellkramer8097 Yep. Look at your first lady. Hypocritical Repugs are fine with her nude pics with another female and the fact she was an escort.
Ms. Williams certainly had the last laugh. Talented, beautiful and hardworking!
Yup!
I was so proud. She is STILL so classy and beautiful!
_Of course_
Vanessa Williams will always be Miss America 1984 in my eyes. She was young when she did those nude photos, and had no idea they would come out.
Correct.
😍😍😍😍
Still the first Black woman to win Miss America!!! Iconic!!!
But she dont black!
@@User23987 she is black lol
She mix not black.
@@scrolltestimonial Both her mom and dad are both are mixed with black and white
I still get the goosebumps
I remember this so well. Her father was my music teacher in grade school so we had a special interest in this. When she won I got teary eyed - my whole house was screaming with happiness! Not only did she deserve it but it also had special meaning as the first black Miss America ever and at the time it felt like breaking yet another barrier. Most of all I was happy she won because she was talented and has proved that many times over the years.
👑👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤❤❤❤
Technically, Miss Vanessa Williams had knowingly violated the Miss America rules on 2 counts: 1) she knew when she entered and signed their contract that she had the very explicit pornographic photos in her past (not just “nude,” they were depictions of her having oral sex with another woman, still viewable online) and 2) she knew she’d had an abortion in her teens, and the pageant required contestants to “never have been pregnant.” Among a long list of other sexist requirements.
However, those rules were misogynistic and dumb anyway. Good for her for proving that shit doesn’t matter one bit as to what a woman is worth or what she can accomplish in life. True class. 👍🏼
I don't remember any other Miss America. Do you?
John R. McCommas Kenya moore
Jade W Kenya Moore was Miss USA.
Mary Anne Mobley and Heather Whitestone.
#KenyaMoore
Mary Ann Mobley.
What a powerful moment! I love watching and hearing the cheers and applauses for her!!!!! She was definitely a crowd favorite!
I heard that she and Suzette were seperated by only one point. I can't see how, couldn't have been that close, she was head and shoulders above the rest that week and that night!!
Sadly, the media still defines her as the First Black Miss America Who Resigned Because She Posed Nude In Penthouse. It is like she's done nothing else in the 30+ years since and the chart-topping albums, Grammy nominations, Emmy nominations, successful acting career, etc., all pale in comparison to one mistake.
If the media didn't constantly bring it up, I could easily forget that she ever won this competition.
Well she was the first black Miss America! That's what it is!
+Chauntel Bland I so agree with you!!
very true! She looks radiant. I wasn't even born. UA-cam I love you.
Chauntel Bland while this is true it's important to realize that your life decisions stay with you. It's crazy I know especially since she was so young at the time but that in itself is a life lesson. We have all made some really dumb decisions as young adults. I don't think anyone bats an eye about hers. She has many fans!
She's done plenty in the years since. Vanessa did not hide in shame. My sister and I were jumping up and down the night she won.. We could not sleep that night!
I have met her twice! Lovely woman.
What a beautiful black woman.
Period ^
She is not only the most famous Miss America but the most beautiful and talented one. She will always be my Miss America and the one I think of first before all others.
The most beautiful and most popular Miss America ever ❤❤❤
The first time l saw Vanessa because she was so beautiful l thought she wasn't real
I thought where did this incredibly beautiful woman come from is she real l mean WOW
Werk, Wilhelmina, WERRRRRK!!! I will never forget witnessing this live on TV and being so proud as a young 10 year-old boy that a beautiful black woman became the very first black Miss America. Regardless of that whole Penthouse situation, it never made a difference to me because she STILL became the most successful Miss America in HISTORY!!! Success is DEFINITELY the BEST revenge and she showed THEM!!!
Two black girls at the top!!
Black girl magic!!
This is when the pageant was truly magical.
Absolutely beautiful ! She deserved that crown and more.
She made history and we LOVE her for it. She is still a triple threat and making gains for ALL women of ALL races.
Lovely... sadly, of course, there are still the color bigots, the sex bigots, bigots of all kinds. This past election showed that.
Yet, all these years later, Vanessa Williams is still beautiful inside and out. Just a great person!
THE TRUE MISS AMERICA 1984
Love her! I was so proud of her! The first pageant she won was Miss Syracuse upstate, my hometown. Then Miss New York. I wonder if she would have competed downstate she would have won her local pageant? She definitely had star quality, that is for sure. I like how she just dropped the crown on head, no pins or nothing and Vanessa is like, "yea, I got this."
I love how she didn't break down and cry and grovel. She knew she deserved it! 👏🏾👏🏾
Technically, Miss Vanessa Williams had knowingly violated the Miss America rules on 2 counts: 1) she knew when she entered and signed their contract that she had the very explicit pornographic photos in her past (not just “nude,” they were depictions of her having oral sex with another woman, still viewable online) and 2) she knew she’d had an abortion in her teens, and the pageant required contestants to “never have been pregnant.” Among a long list of other sexist requirements.
However, those rules were misogynistic and dumb anyway. Good for her for proving that shit doesn’t matter one bit as to what a woman is worth or what she can accomplish in life. True class. 👍🏼
GONE MS VANESSA WILLIAMS WE LOVE YOU YOU STILL THE BLACK MS AMERICA LOL!
The most beautiful and talented Miss America ever!! There never was a miss america like Vanessa Williams!! She is the Miss America icon!!!
The crowd loved her!!!! ♡♡♡♡
Outstanding moment in history. My Miss America. She won in life.
Wowsers!!
Vanessa Williams is sthnning.
Hell, she still is today.
It's refreshing to know that despite the release of the scandalous pics, she was able to still achieve success as both a pop/r&b singer and an accomplished actress.
Just awesomeness personified !!
Vanessa Williams -- positively glows. Indeed she does. She possesses total outward beauty because I can see it. And she shines with total inward beauty because I can hear it. Go listen to her sing ... Alfie.
They never should have stripped her of her rightfully owned title. I remember this. I was so angry. We don’t know what people have to endure in order to make their mark.
They did not strip her of the title. She resigned from continuing on with her Miss America duties. She will always be a Miss America. The pageant officials explained that in conjunction with Vanessa Williams' special appearance at the pageant in 2015. That night a pageant official publicly apologized to her for any distress her resignation caused her.
And it's still the best Miss America Pageant there ever was I think she still didn't history I think it's the one that will forever be the best❤
Some pageant observers that night say that Suzette was visibly upset at placing second. She certainly was a great talent, with a phenomenal voice. But talent isn't everything at Miss America. It's the composite score that matters. These things are mostly won in the interview in my opinion. Vanessa's career has been amazing, and where is Suzette now? It was nice that both of them got to wear the crown, because if there was ever a case for a tie, it was this night.
She really was the best choice! Talented in everyway. I remember when she won I was so happy for her!!
She is one of the prettiest Miss America ever to be crowned.
I was watching the pageant that evening! Vanessa was stunningly gorgeous!
Suzette Charles 1st runner up is also black...she would where the crown when Vanessa had to resign. They both made history this night.
Boy that was a memorable night...I'll never forget it. I was in college and was totally floored, but so happy at the same time
A woman of class through rough times
She won that deserving, hands down
Best miss America ever.
Vanessa Williams has the most beautiful smile. Bravo!
I am happy that this gorgeous lady overcame the horrible smear campaign by Penthouse and the media to become arguably the most famous Miss America of all! She is so talented and one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Here's to you, Vanessa - you really are a role model!
Go Vanessa! You took the high road and soared. Always a class act no matter what.
A super beautifull woman!!
She still got it and also is a great singer and actress!
Yes!! Vanessa got it all!!
I was Homecoming Queen in 83/84 it was one of my favorite moments of my reign, I was so proud of her,& still is. This is America first Black Queen,& they made her feel like she wasn’t worthy, Vanessa you are and always be our First Queen. Love you 😘
its amazing that "There she Miss America" was not used when Vanessa took her first walk.
she seemed to have the demeanor of, "I knew I was gonna win..."
228candy what a horrible comment n I'm a dark skin black man. Marjorie wasn't even attractive.
That's dumbest post I've read in a long time. No matter what shade it is, BLACK is BLACK!
She said in her book that during pageant week she won a preliminary in swimsuit and a preliminary in talent. Everyone told her whenever that happens that person always wins Miss America. She did not believe she would win until he announced Suzette Charles as the first runner up. That's when she realized that what everyone had said was true and that she had won even before he called out her name.
I totally remember watching this back in the day - who woulda known that Vanessa would become one of my favorite singers? :) Thanks for posting this!
What a great memory! I remember seeing this on tv back in the day. One thing I remember is that I loved the gown she was wearing. Heh. Vanessa eventually became one of my absolute fave female singers. Thanks for sharing this wonderful memory!
She stills gorgeous!
I agree with u. Alot of people who are not black do not understand. That's why we get so upset about "others" tryin to dictate what a"real" black person looks like. If that's the case, I'm black and my sister is mixed because she is hell of alot lighter than me. Alot of non-blacks fail to realize that blacks have various shades within the same immediate family.
It's official. MISS VANESSA has the best "kiss my ass" story in pageant history. She has become a worldwide celebrity with fans stretching as far as Canada to Australia. As she stated to Barbara Walters, "The best revenge is success." That's for all the haters that tried to destroy her 25 years ago. GO WILLY!!!
One artistic nude photo....If they only realized that there would be a Cardi B one day 🤦🏾♀️ times sure have changed...
Oof
The only Black American Woman ♀️ to Achieve The Iconic Historical Moment. And...Thirty-two plus years later. Mrs. Vanessa Williams is Gorgeous and still Beautifully talented as an Artist, Actress, Dancer, . Vanessa Williams is a remarkable entertainer also, as a true gifted "Headliner"!👏
Simply stunning!!!!
Vanessa Williams was the best Miss America in the history of that pageant!!!
What a dress!!!! She made great choices. Her team knew what to do.
She stood out period! I was 4 but I remember this!
I love Vanessa Williams! Love hearing about her story and understanding how she got to be where she is today.
This show was aired in September 1983.
Such an Awesome moment !! History !!
I believe her scandal was more about sexism than racism! Vanessa is an alpha female,of color at that and you can just see she is destined for greatness here.Her interviews at the time were articulate,forward thinking and too conscious to be "Miss.America". I personally think they(the organization) would rather Miss.America be known for simply vanity purposes and a dense thought process because lets face it,it's run by old white with neanderthal ways of thinking toward Women & their capabilities.America wasn't ready for a Woman(of color) but Woman period to exude brains,beauty and assertiveness like Vanessa did and does.
I'm sure racism was part of it, but the pageant is sexist at its core.
The most successful Miss America in the history of the pageant!
The host has no ado/suspense just direct to the point😂
The most important moment in the history of the pageant, and we can't get a clearer clip uploaded??? I guess even poor quality is better than none though.
This is what standard def looked like
@@jmcieslak0 Thats no excuse, with all the technology there is these days, there should be a clearer copy of this.
I was a teen when I witnessed this event. When her crown was taken, her music career shot up sky rocket immediately. She has been busy every since.
I saw vanessa once back in the early 90's at an SNL end of season party. She was drop dead gorgeous in person. Of course we haveall aged 20 years since then.
This is Priceless. She shows me that a Royalty Dream can come true. I must play now" Imagine A King "by Whitney Houston. ⭐Queen Vanessa Williams ⭐Our ♥️ Miss America ♥️ Dr.Dixon 💗💗💗(Happiness)
Look at Vanessa. Front of the line, right where she belongs. I adore her...
Read her biography and see her interviews
She is African American, welsh, and native American. That is her ethnicity. You can call her black, welsh, and native American. Saying she is only black doesn't make sense. She is mixed.
I remember that. I also remember the speech she gave when she relenquished her crown after the Penthouse pictures came out. And the hilarious thing is her career is still going while the Miss America pagent is on life support.
Most talented and those natural beauty..
She remained seen for her talent... Love her ❤️💕❤️❤️💕❤️
i hate how they just threw the crown on her head and didn't even try to properly pin it in her hair.
She started walking from excitement before they had a chance. You can see Susan Powell handing a pin to Debbie Maffett as Vanessa starts her walk. Everything is not done purposely. Watch Phyllis George in 1971. The crown falls off as she walks.
James Jennings but she still rocked it
She's gotten even more beautiful with age. What a class act.
I really love the looks on the faces of the runner ups. They are so pissed off but they know they have to smile
She's beauty and she's grace
I was always in awww of her beauty and have enjoyed her success over the years!
They didn't pin the crown on back then? She was having to balance it on her head!
African women are the most beautiful on earth ❤️😍😍
Still WINNING to this day
2nd runner-up seems happiest of the bunch.
One of the most stunningly beautiful woman period! 😊❤️🙏🏻👑🇺🇸
Vanessa Williams was absolutely stunning.
Vanessa Williams has the best smile.
OMG They're all wearing their real hair!! AND THEY'RE COVERED!!! *faints*
Renee perry from desperate housewives xD
That was history being made.
Two Miss Syracuse have won Miss America- the first African-American Miss America and the First Indian-American Miss America. I think there must have been rumors that this was the year for the former because once Suzette is announced as the first runner-up, Vanessa had a big smile and unlike most Miss Americas, didn't seem shocked at all when she was chosen.
What is also remarkable is that they were almost exactly 30 years apart.
I cried
It is my sad duty to inform you that Bess Myerson, Miss America 1945, the first Jewish winner, passed away on December 14, 2014; the news was recently confirmed by public records, q.v. The New York Times.
Bess Myerson had said in a interview a few years ago that Vanessa Williams was the best Miss America ever crowned. That regardless of the scandal her talent, beauty and intelligence was everything a true Miss America represents.
@@GypsyFairy85 They both got mistreated during their reign, and both did big things later.
correct me if i'm wrong. after Vanessa and Suzette's reign the following Miss America's were African America: Debbye Turner (90); Marjorie Vincent (91); Kimberley Aiken (94); Erika Harold (03); Erika Dunlap (04) correct? While Angela Perez Baraquio is the first Asian-American Miss America, correct?
This is not cool --- why would you have 5 women stand on stage when the have NO Chance ... there should only be 5 on stage!
RIP, Gary Collins. (1938-2012) He died today in Biloxi, Miss.
Miss Ohio Pamela Rigas is beautiful! She is one of only FOUR woman to make the top 5 at both Miss USA and Miss America! She was also third runner up at the highly competitive Miss USA 1980 pageant!
Your irritations are rooted in ignorance.Though physical slavery technically ended during that time, you cannot discount the psychological aftermath and the institutionalized forms of slavery and racism. It took another century for Blacks to have equal rights. To skip the aftermath of slavery is to skip an important part of history that has played a role in the problems of today. Yes, SOME use such history at their convenience, but it does not take away from the truth about it's ramifications.
I just noticed that the Miss America Organization just updated Vanessa Williams profile with a new photo. I also just heard the news story that the ABC Network just resigned the Miss America Pageant for 3-years in 2011 to compete against NBC's successful run of Miss USA. Since Vanessa was recently casts as the new housewife on Desperate Housewives, I wonder if she finally is going to associate herself with the pageant next year during the 90th anniversary. Perhaps cohost or make an appearance.
@ASU19992006 Indeed it is! Back in the '60s this became abundantly clear and then then whites/gov't shut it down. I've often wondered why non-blacks, particularly white/pink people, r so focused on black people.It is not mutual: black men weren't worried about the size of white/pink penis, black women weren't worried about white/pink women's sexual preferences, and weren't and still aren't pursuing pink males (in fact, historically, have had 2 fight them off). Pink people LOVE 2 hate on blacks
Yep, and I'm surprised more wasn't made of this at the time. IIRC, Debra Sue came out quite strongly and negatively wrt Vanessa. It probably wasn't all racism per se, after all, Debra Sue was looking for a career in entertainment too, and she probably saw competition. Plus, Vanessa's beauty was natural born. Poor Debbie supposedly had her eyes, nose, chin, teeth, breasts, hair, and more done before she became competitive after a gazillion years competing. Vanessa won in her first year.
I doubt they would even now days! Her being topless had nothing to do with her talents as a singer, or the fact that she won the crown fair and square! They should have been like, oh well, that was the past, and this is now! Sorry, but personally I think being topless isn't a bad thing! Not that I go around my place naked or whatnot, but hey, if you're comfortable with everything hanging out...then more power to you.