Black women weren't allowed to compete in the Miss America pageant until the 1940s, and the first black contestant didn't take that stage until 30 years later. The first black Miss USA wasn't crowned until 1990. And it wasn't until this month that Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss America, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA were all women of color. "I think black women need this," Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin told CNN's "New Day" on Monday. "It's a symbol, and it shows that no matter where you're from, what country you're from ... you can be successful."

Source: CNN December 16, 2019 15:56 UTC