Wow! Just seeing this... I am on the far left in the white high necked gown. I was the first black woman to place in the semi finals all those years ago. I was Miss Delaware 1976 Day Deborah Lipford-Gardner.
I am from Delaware. I remember as a young kid how my parents were commenting about the fact that you had made history by being the first black woman to place in the top 10 at the Miss America Pageant. Congratulations.
I remember my Grandmom making us watch it. She was super excited that you made it to the finals. We thought you were robbed and should have been a runner-up AT LEAST. Weren't you the first African-American to make it into the top 10?
The most clear cut victory in the history of the Miss America Pageant. Dorothy was beautiful, intelligent, kind, and her talent remains one the very best in Miss America history.
She won it first time out, meaning she won her state title on the first try. Many Miss America title holders had numerous attempts at winning their state crown before being allowed to proceed to the pageant.
@VTMCompany Dorothy clearly deserved to win as she was second to none, but she ain't foolin' me for one second! She KNEW she had it after S.C.'s Livinia Cox was named first runner up. Dorothy's selection is a rare case where nobody would disagree with the outcome. Moreover, she has led an exemplary life. Kudos to the Miss America judges for gettin' one right.
Actually...look at the conestant to Dorothy Benham's right just prior to the announcement. I'm certain this girl knew Dorothy was going to win, and in fact was actually looking at her when the announcement was made. This was a sure thing!!
It is time for our first Native-American Miss America and i'm not just saying this because i'm Choctaw-Cherokee, it is just time for our first Native-American Miss America to take the stage.
Wow...Barbara Jennings is your mom? I have been trying to contact Barbara for years! I was Miss Delaware that year! Is she still in Maryland? I live in Maryland now--would love to get together.
I am not sure either; interesting. Ric Ferencz the MAO website pageant historian and guy who, the last time I visited the Community Hall link on the site (dont know either if CH is still around) was basically its moderator, would definitely know that answer......I can't imagine the pageant NOT doing at least someone that yr for her or the next time she made an appearance, similar to what they do for the ladies on their 50th anniversary. Good question!
7? I think it is six.........but i should re-google i know the other miss america winners have a superlative name for her in reference to how well her body bounces back after all the baby deliveries her body has endured.
