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BLACK IN TIME: A Moment in OUR History

Hugh Gaddy · Wednesday, September 16th 2009 at 11:34PM · 151 views
Vanessa Williams



Suzette Charles



On September 17, 1983, In Atlantic City, New Jersey, 20-Year Old, Vanessa Williams Was Crowned The First African American Miss America.

On That Same Night, New Jersey Native And African American, Suzette Charles Was Chosen Runner-Up, In America's Foremost Beauty Pageant.

Williams Was Stripped Of Her Crown 10 Months Later, After **** Photos Of Her Appeared In Penthouse Magazine. And As Fate Would Have It, Suzette Charles Became America's Second Black Miss America, In Less Than A Year.

Vanessa Williams Went On To Have A Successful Recording And Acting Career. Suzette Charles Followed Suit, Becoming A Popular Singer, Television Personality, Actor And Entertainer.

"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.

Hugh Gaddy
Hugh Gaddy
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Hugh Gaddy Hagerstown, MD

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Comments (3)

Steve Williams Thursday, September 17th 2009 at 4:48AM

I always thought that was pretty hypocritical of them to take the crown from her.

Jen Fad Thursday, September 17th 2009 at 2:18PM

Although the crown was taken from Williams, it didn't hurt her career but rather helped it don't you think? I saw one of Williams' interviews after she won and she was so well poised. I knew then that she would be a star. I love the show "Ugly Betty" and I enjoyed Williams' singing. I wish she would do another album...even a Christmas CD would do.

MIISRAEL Bride Friday, September 18th 2009 at 1:39PM

Vanessa has shown that even with all the ridicule she still had her dream. What determination. I don't hear much from Suzette Charles, I hope things are well with her too. Vanessa has such a lovely singing voice. I love to her singing in the Disney movie the song "Color of Wind". Good one Gaddy!

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