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This week, Rush Limbaugh was standing in front of a talented black woman who was trying to become Miss America. I am not sure if Rush voted for her or not, but the black woman was able to win. Caressa Cameron, a 22-year old from Virginia Commonwealth University, was crowned Saturday night as the winner of the 2010 Miss America pageant.
Rather than openly wondering what qualifies Rush Limbaugh to judge a beauty contest, I will spend my time touting my excitement for Ms. Cameron.
Cameron, who is a communications major, won the competition in Las Vegas. She is the 7th African-American woman in history to win the Miss America pageant.
When asked how she would confront the challenge of child obesity, Cameron said, "Take away the TV, take away the video games, set some standards for our children!"
I can only give a resounding, "You go, girl."
After winning the contest, Cameron is set to receive a $50,000 scholarship. To beat out the competition, she sang the song "Listen" from the movie "Dreamgirls."
I don't know much about beauty contests, but there's nothing more beautiful than a black woman who has embraced excellence in her life. Congratulations, Ms. Cameron, wear your crown wisely.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (70)
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By: mmam on 1/31/2010 11:08PM
WHY is it when a MIXED race with VERY little "color" does something ONLY the BLACK side of her race is claimed????? She is about as BLACK as I am!
A Irish, Scottish, Native, German, Dutch reader
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By: News and Other on 2/01/2010 10:39PM
Hey, I agree about Rush ... I've noticed that it's usually lighter skinned Black women who win these things, and that's unfortunate because the light vs. dark skinned African American thing has been around since slavery! I'm glad to see ANYONE excell, whether they are someone of color or not. We should all take to heed the words of Dr. Martin Luther King who dreamed of a day when a person would be judged by the content of their charactor, not color ... is that such an impossible dream?
A note about blackness from someone who's about as "Black" as you are (Native American, Scottish, Irish, French and German here!). Did you know that during segregation that you only had to be one tenth of the Black race to be considered "colored"? That's not much at all! And someone of that percentage is not likely to look very dark at all. That is why someone who's very light will still call themselves "Black/African American" ...
Lynn in New Orleans, LA.
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By: Tahaji on 2/01/2010 11:32PM
She looks every bit as Black as most black women do and very lovely indeed.....congrats!
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By: Al Tee on 2/02/2010 12:27AM
Beautiful African women have been having children with white men through slavery. None of us are African any more. We are American. Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemmings. African people did not ask for this. In spite of this Black churches say love your neighbor. ??????
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By: Bet on 2/02/2010 10:12AM
" Black or white should not make a difference, because of the study on genology done at Howard University. That study revealed that mankind is 99.9% the same. Today the "Black " side of a person is important to recognize and praise when they accompolish something great because , Black Americans have been presented in such a nigetive way by the media that when something great happens it is worthy of praise. Bet
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By: spirit on 2/02/2010 1:49PM
What makes you think that this woman is half white? Being light complexioned does not warrant biracial. Did you see her black parents? I didn't think so.
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By: Linda C on 2/02/2010 9:38PM
Interesting comment without any basis. Quite some time ago, "White America" established that one was Black if he/she possessed at least one-tenth of Black blood. That wasn't our rule -- it's yours! Hence, over the years [especially during slavery] when males in your race were free to rape our women, naturally impregnating the woman, our bloodlines were intermingled and remains so today. If you are observant at all you would noticed the different hues in color within the Black race so the fact that the new Miss America is very fair-skinned is not at all unusual to us but it doesn't take away the fact that she is indeed Black. So, yes, we as a race celebrate this significant achievement -- because there is no "other side" of her race, this according to your people as set forth many, many, years ago.
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By: ez on 2/02/2010 10:14PM
Who said she was bi-racial? SHE'S NOT!!!!!!! HELLO!!!!!!!!
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By: Flo Wagner on 2/01/2010 12:11AM
Congratulation Ms. Cameron Ther isn't anything as beautiful as and intelligent black woman. I am so happy and proud of you.Wear your crown with dignity as I know you will.Where did that Rush Limbaugh come from being a judge?.We get the last laugh Rush Boy. PEACE. flo.
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By: Debra on 2/01/2010 9:30PM
She's not a Black Woman. So it's nothing to be excited about. When a Real Black Woman (a woman that looks like India Arie) wins then I will celebrate.
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