Miss America has a complex history when it comes to Black representation. The Miss America pageant was first held in 1921 and for many years, Black women were not allowed to compete in the pageant due to racial segregation and discrimination.

It wasn't until 1970 that Cheryl Browne, a Black woman, competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss Iowa. She was the first African American contestant to compete in the pageant's history. Browne faced racist backlash and discrimination during her time in the competition, but her participation paved the way for more Black women to compete in the years to come.

In 1983, Vanessa Williams made history by becoming the first African American woman to win the title of Miss America. However, her reign was cut short when nude photos of her were published without her consent, leading to her resignation as Miss America.

Since then, there have been several Black women who have won the title of Miss America, including Suzette Charles in 1984, Debbye Turner in 1990, and Caressa Cameron in 2010. These women have made significant strides in breaking down barriers and increasing representation of Black women in the pageant world.

Overall, the history of Black women in the Miss America pageant reflects the ongoing struggle for racial equity and inclusivity in the world of beauty pageants and beyond.