All of the previous Black Miss Americas were honored at this year's National Urban League Conference's Women of Power Awards Jared Lyons/National Urban League History was made at this year’s National Urban League Conference’s Women of Power Awards luncheon on Thursday, July 25, when six of the nine Black Miss Americas gathered for the first time as part of a special tribute. Held in New Orleans on its 20th anniversary, , hosted by CBS News national correspondent Michelle Miller, honored all the nine Miss America winners. They include 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). Williams, wasn’t physically present at the awards ceremony because she is currently in the U.K.
for her role in the upcoming stage musical adaptation of . Despite not being present physically, she delivered a video message expressing gratitude for the honor bestowed on her and her Miss America colleagues. Danielle C.
Miles/National Urban League Related: “I had no idea that I would be shattering the glass ceiling,” she said in the clip. “It gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement. It allowed me to realize my dreams.
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.
" She continued: “I want to thank the .