The Miss Black America Pageant will air on WAPT, Hearst’s ABC affiliate in Jackson, Miss., this Sunday afternoon from 3:30 to 5. One of those inspired by the pageant was Mississippi native Oprah Winfrey. See why the experience left her with a lasting impression.
The 50th anniversary of the Miss Black America Pageant will air on WAPT, Hearst’s ABC affiliate in Jackson, Miss., this Sunday afternoon from 3:30 to 5.
https://www.facebook.com/16wapt/videos/371502600299677/
Originally recorded at the Gem Theatre in Kansas City, the pageant marks 50 years since the inaugural event in Atlantic City, N.J., in August of 1968.
“Providing our local viewers with unique, exciting, and inspirational programming such as the pageant is just one of the many ways WAPT is dedicated to serving our community,” said Mike Neelly, WAPT’s general manager.
“Thousands of young women have already been inspired by Miss Black America, and we hope this year’s broadcast helps inspire thousands more.”
Oprah Winfrey was a contestant in the 1971 pageant as Miss Tennessee. Winfrey didn’t take home the crown, but her exposure resulted in both a scholarship to Tennessee State University and a job offer at WVOL-AM in Nashville.
Winfrey describes the experience of the 1971 pageant as one that left “a flower in her mind”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1tV4u4SuXo
The Miss Black America Pageant will air nationwide throughout the month of February in markets including Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, Atlanta and Dallas.
WAPT is currently the only Mississippi station scheduled to air the pageant.
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