*At the recent National Urban League Conference’s Women of Power Awards, six of the nine Black Miss Americas gathered for the first time to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary. Vanessa Williams, the first Black woman to win the title, joined her fellow winners via video message to reflect on the significance of their historic wins.
This year’s National Urban League Conference’s Women of Power Awards luncheon was held Thursday, July 25, in New Orleans. As PEOPLE reports, all the nine Miss America winners were honored: 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).
“I had no idea that I would be shattering the glass ceiling,” Williams said in the clip.
“It gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement. It allowed me to realize my dreams,” she continued
“I’m literally on stage, which is what I said 41 years ago when I said I was a junior at Syracuse University majoring in theater. So here you are and here I am. I’m living my dream,” Williams added.
Scroll to continue reading
6 Black Miss Americas Reunite for the First Time and Reflect on Winning: ‘Grateful to Be Part of History’ https://t.co/CJuaPtvOu4
— People (@people) July 26, 2024
“I want to thank the community of people that have supported me through the years, through the ups and downs,” Williams said. “Of course, my family and friends. I’ve been blessed to be able to do what I love and it is truly an honor and a blessing…So I want to celebrate 40-plus years of Miss America to all my beautiful sisters who are thriving in grace.”
During the roundtable discussion, Franklin said, “Solidifying my place in history is something I never really dreamed about as a young girl. So to be among you all is such a blessing. The moment I won is definitely etched in my memory. I’m so grateful to be part of history.”
Harold emphasized the importance of advocating for the rights of women when they are not treated with dignity and respect.
“With our crowns, with our platforms, I think we all look to make sure that we edify, that we amplify, and that we elevate Black women,” Harold stated.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Vanessa Williams Recalls Johnny Carson’s Joke About Her Making Miss America History
