Catherine Pope, EdD writes about her struggle to gain social justice.

As a 19-year-old black college student, Pope set her sights on the Miss America Crown. She began by winning the 1969 Miss Omaha beauty pageant, where she was promised a four-year college scholarship. However, the following year, though she won talent contests, In 1970, Pope did not receive any recognition, let alone given the Miss Nebraska award. A photo in her book of pageant contestants shows a line of blondes with bouffant hairdos, where Pope and another dark-haired white lady who sit in the foreground, stand out as the most beautiful.

Though Pope’s neighbors showed support, many expressed fears of white backlash as she ran for each contest. Whites called her family and threatened them regularly; often demeaning Pope as an unworthy Miss Omaha winner. However, she wore her crown as she attended civil rights protests and demonstrations. When she lost the Miss Nebraska honor, she experienced it as a personal failure. Nevertheless, she also thought of her loss as a failure of white society to grow and encourage blacks to realize their abilities. Sadly, not until 1984 did the first black woman receive the Miss America pageant.

In every regard, Pope stands out as a winner, personally, professionally, and socially. Her example inspires me to challenge myself and to do more for others.