July 23rd 2024.
It has been four decades since Vanessa Williams graced the stage and became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America. Since her groundbreaking win in 1984, only seven other Black women have followed in her footsteps, winning the national title and representing the standards of beauty, success, service, and scholarship. This year, at the National Urban League's annual conference in New Orleans, these remarkable women will be honored for their achievements.
"The eight women who have achieved this highest honor, I am truly impressed by them because not only were they competing for Miss America, but they were also lawyers, pastors, business people, and even veterinarians," said National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial in an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. "These women are accomplished beyond just being 'beauty queens.' It is important to showcase their accomplishments, not only to inspire young women, but also for those of us who witnessed their wins, to hear about their journeys and successes."
As the country prepares for the upcoming presidential election, the National Urban League is paying tribute to these trailblazing women who have challenged America's beauty standards and broken barriers. It is especially significant with the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent, Vice President Kamala Harris, now vying for the White House after President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection. While the National Urban League remains nonpartisan and does not endorse political candidates, this year's conference is expected to be one of the largest in recent history. Morial attributes the high attendance to the unease and uncertainty many are feeling about the current state of affairs.
"There is a lot of anxiety in the community," Morial stated. "It is an election year, and people are concerned about the future of our country. They come to our conference for information, inspiration, networking, and to connect with like-minded individuals."
The National Urban League's annual conference, or what Morial calls a "purpose with a party," is a week-long event that gathers the largest group of civil rights and urban advocacy leaders in the nation. With less than three months until the general election, Morial says the organization's focus is on the "Three D's" for this election cycle: defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty. The "Reclaim Your Vote" campaign, a nationwide grassroots initiative to increase minority voter turnout, is also in full swing.
"Under defend democracy, we are encouraging people to register, educate themselves, and vote," explained Morial. "Under demand diversity, we are strongly promoting and defending corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of life. And when we talk about defeating poverty, it is about bridging the wealth and income gaps that exist in America."
It is not too late to register for the National Urban League conference and attend both in-person and virtual events. The conference will take place from July 22 through July 27, featuring speakers such as Alaysia Black Hackett, the chief diversity and equity officer for the U.S. Department of Labor; Samantha Tweedy, CEO of the Black Economic Alliance; Arian Simone of The Fearless Fund; Tennessee State Representative Justin J. Pearson; and many more.
At the Women of Power Awards Luncheon on July 25, the National Urban League will also honor Black women who have previously been crowned Miss America. And on July 27, the Community and Family Day Expo will take place, featuring free backpack giveaways, career fairs, and other exciting activities. "Family and Community Day is a day where we have a lot of fun events for the whole family," added Morial.
This year's National Urban League conference is also focusing on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in its State of Black America Report. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice, and the importance of coming together as a community to continue making progress.
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