Miss America 2.0 2019
A Leap into the Future. In Step with the Past.
The Miss America 2.0 was met with some controversy since the former Fox News Anchor and Miss America 1989, Gretchen Carlson took over as chair of the Miss America Organization earlier this year. Her focus was to progress the pageant into the empowerment movement to become open, transparent and inclusive by judging contestants on their talking points and social initiatives rather than their outfits and looks. This is a bold stance to execute with the Miss America pageant entering its 93rd year of existence.
The evening pageantry opened in Atlantic City, New Jersey reported with less attendees and loud boos as the warm-up announcer reminded the audience that the swimsuit competition portion has been removed (according to yahoo.com). Nevertheless, the new beautiful Miss America, Nia Imani Franklin a woman of color told reporters, these changes, I think, will be great for our organization. I’ve already seen so many women reaching out to me personally as Miss New York asking how they can get involved, because I think they feel more empowered that they don’t have to do things such as walk in a swimsuit for a scholarship.
Change can be challenging for those committed to the traditional methodology of pageantry. However, I believe the #Metoo movement and uprise of women empowerment is shifting the culture and the nation view on the natural power women possess beyond their external makeup.
Again, hail to the new Queen, Nia Imani Franklin, Miss America 2019 judged by her brilliance not a mere swimsuit.
