When Adedokun was at the Judson College in Marion , Alabama , a teacher persuaded her to take part in a beauty contest . At the first competition in Marion , she was far behind . Adedokun took this decision " very racist " and proceeded to compete at the Miss Alabama pageant , where she emerged fifth position in the 1990 finalists . Then she participated in another beauty contest in 1993 where she was crowned Miss Ohio , and later became second runner-up in the Miss America pageant in 1994 . Adedokun used her prize winnings to finance her vocal training in Italy
Miss America
Miss America 1994
Titilayo Adedokun