Miss Iowa 1970 , Cheryl Browne , became the first African American contestant in the competition 's history during the Miss America 1971 pageant ( September 12 , 1970 ) . She drew attention from reporters and from security personnel in Atlantic City who maintained a visible presence during pageant rehearsals . Browne was not a finalist , however , losing to future media personality , Miss Texas 1970 , Phyllis George . In August 1971 , Browne traveled to Vietnam with George , Miss Nevada 1970 , Vicky Jo Todd , Miss New Jersey 1970 , Hela Yungst , Miss Arizona 1970 , Karen Shields , Miss Arkansas 1970 , Donna Connelly , and Miss Texas 1970 ( George 's replacement ) , Belinda Myrick . They participated in a 22-day United Service Organizations tour for American troops that began in Saigon . Browne later commented that she thought " it was one of the last Miss America groups to go to Vietnam . " Miss Arkansas 1980 , Lencola Sullivan , finished the Miss America 1981 pageant ( September 6 , 1980 ) as fourth runner-up , making her the first African American contestant to place in the top five
Miss America 1971
Miss America 1971
Miss America