Black Beauties
In 1984, Vanessa Williams broke the race barrier to become Miss America, but she was not the first Black woman to wear a pageant crown. Black beauty pageants created a distinctive and celebrated cultural tradition during some of the most dismal times in the country's racial history. With the rise of the civil rights and Black Pride movements, pageantry also represented a component of social activism. Professor Kimberly Pellum explores this glamorous and profound history with contributions by dozens of former contestants who share their personal experiences.
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In 1984, Vanessa Williams broke the race barrier to become Miss America, but she was not the first Black woman to wear a pageant crown. Black beauty pageants created a distinctive and celebrated cultural tradition during some of the most dismal times in the country's racial history. With the rise of the civil rights and Black Pride movements, pageantry also represented a component of social activism. Professor Kimberly Pellum explores this glamorous and profound history with contributions by dozens of former contestants who share their personal experiences.
Information
Subject: History
Brand: The History Press
Publisher Date: 02/03/2020
Dimensions: 9.00 x 6.00 x 0.31
UPC: 9781467144827
Pages: 144
