<P> Vanessa Lynn Williams ( born March 18 , 1963 ) is an American singer , actress , and fashion designer . She initially gained recognition as the first African - American recipient of the Miss America title when she was crowned Miss America 1984 in 1983 . However , a scandal arose the following year when , a few weeks prior to the end of her reign , Williams learned that Penthouse magazine would be publishing unauthorized nude photographs of her in an upcoming issue . Amid growing media controversy and scrutiny , Williams resigned as Miss America in July 1984 ( under pressure from the Miss America Organization ) , and was replaced by first runner - up Miss New Jersey Suzette Charles . Thirty - two years later , Miss America CEO Sam Haskell offered her a public apology ( during the Miss America 2016 pageant ) for the events of 1984 . </P>
<P> Vanessa Lynn Williams ( born March 18 , 1963 ) is an American singer , actress , and fashion designer . She initially gained recognition as the first African - American recipient of the Miss America title when she was crowned Miss America 1984 in 1983 . However , a scandal arose the following year when , a few weeks prior to the end of her reign , Williams learned that Penthouse magazine would be publishing unauthorized nude photographs of her in an upcoming issue . Amid growing media controversy and scrutiny , Williams resigned as Miss America in July 1984 ( under pressure from the Miss America Organization ) , and was replaced by first runner - up Miss New Jersey Suzette Charles . Thirty - two years later , Miss America CEO Sam Haskell offered her a public apology ( during the Miss America 2016 pageant ) for the events of 1984 . </P>
who was the first african amercian woman to be crowned miss america
who was the first african amercian woman to be crowned miss america
Vanessa Lynn Williams
Vanessa Lynn Williams