This Day in History:
Vanessa Williams Becomes
First Black Miss America.
September 17, 1983.
At the time of Williams'
historic title, the Miss America
pageant had a 63-year history.
Black women weren't
allowed to compete at all
for the first 30 of those years.
Williams' title was marked by
scandal a year later when nude
photos of the model emerged.
The 21-year-old gave up her crown.
Despite the controversy, Williams
launched a successful music
career. Her 1994 album 'The
Sweetest Days' went platinum.
She also sang the Oscar
winning track, "The Color of
the Wind," featured in the
Disney hit, 'Pocahontas.'.
Williams also has led a successful acting
career, with roles in film, television and
on Broadway. She was nominated for a
Tony for her role in a revival of 'Into the Woods.'