Fred Redmond, the highest-ranking African American in the history of the American labor movement, is sounding the alarm on what he calls a full-scale...

Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones said she isn’t budging—not until Republican lawmakers end what she calls a blatant effort to strip voting power from...

By Lauren Burke Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries flew to Austin, Texas, today to address Texas redistricting. Republicans who control the legislature and the Governor’s Mansion...

People in the News

Friday, August 15, 2025

People in the News

Friday, August 15, 2025

Black history spotlight for Sept. 17, 2012: Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams was born in Tarrytown, New York on March 18, 1963. Her parents are of African-American descent, and Williams grew up in a predominantly white middle-class suburban area in Millwood. Williams is a multi-talented contemporary African-American performer specializing in song, acting, and modeling.

On Sept. 17, 1983, Williams was the first African American to be crowned Miss America. She began her career as an entertainer and has been successful since. She has been nominated for a number of Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards. Williams is also a part of  a new ABC show that starts soon. Click here to view.