Cheryl Adrienne Brown was born in New York City and later broke down racial barriers in 1970 when she became the first African-American woman to compete in the Miss America Pageant. She studied dance and worked as a model before moving to Decorah for college studies. In addition to her studies, Brown found time to work as a professional model. She opted to attend Luther College in Decorah, Iowa because her family was the fifth-generation Lutheran, and her minister recommended the college to her. “I’m glad I’m Miss Iowa instead of Miss New York,” Brown told The New York Times. She further asserted that she had more of the chances of being judged for her origin in that part of the country. The racial issues were too intense in New York.

Learn more: https://blackfilmarchive.com/Cheryl-1

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