I wanted to publish this letter days before the Miss America 2019 competition, but I was busy preparing for Pageant Talk. All is well because later is better than never.
Vanessa Williams-Miss America 1984
Dear Miss America 1984,
Hello! You don’t know me, but I know you all too well. You made an impact on my life long before I knew you as a former Miss America. The first song I ever sang in a talent show was a song you performed. My mom thought “The Sweetest Days” was the perfect song for a 4th grader to sing at a middle school talent show in rural Alabama. Honestly, I was not familiar with you prior to that song, but I am so happy I decided to listen to my mother and sing that song. From them on I would grow to love your music and even sing your rendition of the “Colors of the Wind” in another talent show (I am a self proclaimed Disney fanatic).
As the years progressed, you wowed me with your acting skills in favorites such as Soul Food, Dance with Me, and Johnson Family Vacation. I then learned that you were a former Miss America and that was just the icing on the cake. Not only were you a former Miss America, but you were the 1st African-America Miss America. You paved the way for women like me to go for the crown unapologetically regardless of race or ethnicity. You showed brown girls like me that we have the ability to win Miss America or any pageant title. You demonstrate what I believe pageantry is truly about which is “Celebrating the God-given talents that are within.”
You are a multi talented and a trailblazer. The Miss America Organization was lucky to have you. Your reign inspired me to reign. I pray that you continue to experience much success in your life.
Love,
Krystle Bell Saulsberry
#VanessaTaughtMe
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