This Day in History: <br />Vanessa Williams Becomes <br />First Black Miss America.<br />September 17, 1983.<br />At the time of Williams' <br />historic title, the Miss America <br />pageant had a 63-year history.<br />Black women weren't <br />allowed to compete at all <br />for the first 30 of those years.<br />Williams' title was marked by <br />scandal a year later when nude <br />photos of the model emerged. <br />The 21-year-old gave up her crown.<br />Despite the controversy, Williams <br />launched a successful music <br />career. Her 1994 album 'The <br />Sweetest Days' went platinum.<br />She also sang the Oscar <br />winning track, "The Color of <br />the Wind," featured in the <br />Disney hit, 'Pocahontas.'.<br />Williams also has led a successful acting <br />career, with roles in film, television and <br />on Broadway. She was nominated for a <br />Tony for her role in a revival of 'Into the Woods.'
