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vanessa williams-1JULY 23, 1984 — 21-year-old Vanessa Williams gives up her Miss America title, the first resignation in the pageant’s history, after Penthouse magazine announces plans to publish nude photos of the beauty queen in its September issue.   

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She had already made history becoming the first African American to win the title. More history was made when Suzette Charles the first runner-up, took her place as Ms. America.  (Who is also Black)

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