Black women have had a long and complex history with the Miss America pageant. The pageant historically excluded Black women from participating for many years. It wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s that Black women began to compete in the pageant.

In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history as the first Black woman to win the title of Miss America. Her victory was a significant moment in Black history, as it challenged the traditional standards of beauty and representation in mainstream beauty pageants. However, Williams faced backlash and controversy during her reign, including a scandal involving the release of unauthorized nude photos that ultimately led to her resignation as Miss America.

Despite these challenges, Black women have continued to participate in and compete for the title of Miss America. In recent years, several Black women have won the title, including Ericka Dunlap in 2004, Caressa Cameron in 2010, and most recently, Nia Franklin in 2019.

Overall, the history of Black women in the Miss America pageant reflects the broader struggle for representation and inclusion in American society. It highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Black women in the realm of beauty, pageantry, and popular culture, and the importance of breaking down barriers and stereotypes to create a more inclusive and diverse world.