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The Black Image 1960’s
During this time the media, the government, the entertainment industry and the
social consciousness of this country had all but said, "Black is ugly, " and that it
should not be included and displayed as part of the American socio-economic and cultural system. Blacks were excluded from major magazines and television
commercials. Black people, themselves, believed dark skin and broad features
were unattractive. The self-image of Blacks in America was stunted.

Introducing the Miss Black America Pageant
As part of the struggle of this time, there was a need to reverse the negative
propaganda of the Black woman. Developed in 1968 by J. Morris Anderson, the
Miss Black America Pageant was created to project the Black woman in all her
charm, poise, and beauty, and to provide her with a world-class event that would
celebrate their standards, talent, and African heritage.

Royalty On The Boardwalk
Buoyed by the winds of social change, the Miss Black America Pageant, was
carried to the boardwalk of Atlantic City, NJ. With our beautiful, Black, queenly
contestants, we paraded down that famous Boardwalk --- pausing for a moment
in front of the official home of the Miss America Pageant --- then, we moved on
and into the streets of Atlantic City. Tom-toms throbbed. Black children gleefully
and proudly ran along with our caravan. They were doing more than just following a parade, they were witnessing history in the making.

Hail To The Queen
A Black Queen has ruled … and continues to rule. Her realm is universal and
extends beyond geographic boundaries and political ideologies.