The Miss America pageant is a long-standing and iconic American tradition that has celebrated beauty, talent, and intelligence since its inception in 1921. Over the years, this competition has evolved, adapted to societal changes, and made significant contributions to both American culture and the empowerment of women. Here is a comprehensive overview of the Miss America contest in history.

The Miss America pageant was founded in 1921 by the Businessmen’s League of Atlantic City as a way to extend the summer tourist season beyond Labor Day.

The event was initially conceived as a “Fall Frolic” and was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The contest sought to select a young woman who represented the ideal American girl.

The first Miss America pageant took place on September 25, 1921, and was initially part of a larger event called the “Inter-City Beauty Contest.” Margaret Gorman, a 16-year-old from Washington, D.C., was crowned the first Miss America. She was chosen by a panel of judges as the “Most Beautiful Bathing Girl in America.”

In the early years of the pageant, contestants were judged primarily on their appearance and poise. However, significant changes occurred in the 1930s. The Miss America organization shifted its focus by introducing scholarship awards, emphasizing education, and adding the talent competition to the event.

This new approach allowed young women to showcase their talents, which could include singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and more. Talent became a crucial aspect of the competition, and scholarships were awarded to help the winners pursue their education.

The Miss America pageant adapted to the challenges of World War II. In 1942, the pageant was canceled due to the war. However, in 1945, it returned with a special “Victory” pageant, which celebrated the end of the war. The title of “Miss America” was temporarily changed to “Miss America 1945: Victory.”

The Miss America pageant made strides in racial integration during the 1950s. In 1950, Lena Horne, a prominent African American entertainer, protested against the racial segregation of the pageant and refused to perform in the segregated venue. The pageant organizers ultimately agreed to integrate the audience, marking an important moment in the fight for racial equality.

Television also played a significant role in popularizing the pageant. The 1954 Miss America pageant became the first to be broadcast live on television, and millions of viewers tuned in to watch Lee Meriwether crowned as Miss America.

The 1960s saw increased protests and criticisms from feminist and women’s liberation groups. Demonstrators picketed the pageant, challenging its focus on women’s appearance and its scholarship offerings as insufficient for achieving women’s empowerment.

In response to these protests, the pageant underwent changes, including eliminating the talent competition for a brief period. However, the talent competition was later reinstated due to its popularity among contestants and audiences.

The 1970s marked a period of diversification in the Miss America pageant. In 1970, Cheryl Browne became the first African American contestant to compete in the Miss America pageant. She represented Iowa and was a symbol of progress in the pageant’s commitment to diversity.

Throughout the 1980s, the Miss America pageant continued to emphasize education and scholarship awards for contestants. Participants were encouraged to use their pageant platforms to advocate for various causes and engage in community service.

The 1990s saw the selection of notable winners such as Miss America 1995, Heather Whitestone, who was the first deaf contestant to win the title. The Miss America organization also modernized its approach to align with changing times.

The emergence of social media in the 21st century brought new opportunities and challenges to the Miss America pageant. Contestants began using social media platforms to advocate for their causes and connect with audiences.

In 2018, the Miss America organization announced significant changes, including the removal of the swimsuit competition. This decision was made to shift the focus away from physical appearance and prioritize talent, community service, and scholarship.

Contestants now compete in a “Lifestyle and Fitness” category that includes athletically inspired attire rather than swimwear.

The Miss America pageant continues to evolve and embrace diversity. It actively encourages women from various backgrounds to participate and celebrates their unique talents and voices.

The Miss America organization has become a proponent of gender equality and women’s empowerment, focusing on promoting women’s education, leadership, and community involvement.

The Miss America pageant has transformed significantly over the decades. What began as a “beauty contest” has evolved into a platform for empowering women to achieve their educational and professional goals.

The organization has adapted to the changing social and cultural landscape and continues to inspire young women to be confident, educated, and civically engaged individuals.

While it has faced challenges and controversies, the Miss America pageant remains a symbol of American tradition and female empowerment in the 21st century.