The Miss America pageant has a complex history when it comes to Black contestants. The pageant did not have a Black winner until 1983, when Vanessa Williams became the first African American to be crowned Miss America. However, Williams's reign was cut short when explicit photos of her surfaced, leading to her resignation.

It wasn't until 2019 that another Black woman, Nia Franklin, would be crowned Miss America. Franklin, a classically trained opera singer, used her platform to advocate for the arts in schools.

Over the years, the Miss America pageant has faced criticism and controversies regarding its lack of diversity and representation. Despite these challenges, Black women have continued to compete and excel in the pageant, breaking barriers and making their mark on this traditionally white-dominated competition.