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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: david on 2/02/2010 5:47PM
i figured that there'd be a line of morons ready to say that she's not 'black enough' to be called 'black.' jeezuz, get the hell over yourselves--you're missing the point.
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By: joyce on 2/02/2010 5:39PM
Quit hating mmam if she killed your family member you would then say she was a black woman from the northside of STL. Get over it.
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By: BB on 2/02/2010 9:54PM
Whatever happened to being happy for one another.
Regardless of the color of skin, the young lady
has been chosen for her talent, uniqueness and beauty. Our prayers are with her throughout her reign.
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By: ez on 2/02/2010 10:14PM
CONGRADS HONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: Rodney on 2/20/2010 10:25AM
I think Dr. King would be very proud of this young lady. He said we were to judge people by the content of their character and not their skin color. If she was white or black she is still a good young lady because she has very good character. If I had a son her age I would tell him to snag her quick before some other fella beats him to it.
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By: Cora Elizabeth on 2/03/2010 3:46PM
It's time to lay down that light-skinned and dark-skinned Shinola and focus on working together to be all that we can be. That is slavery-time thinking and has no place is a post-slavery United States.
How can we expect others to be accepting of us when we delineate ourselves in terms of "light" and "dark"? Do you see any other people groups doing that in the United States? I don't think so!
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By: Richard on 2/05/2010 1:14AM
Rush interviewed her on his Radio program after the contest. Rush gave her rave reviews, he loved her and I could tell he did vote for her. She had the greatest respect for Rush also. I am white and am glad she won. She did have the best qualities and deserved to win. One thing that stood out about her is her genuine love for people, ALL PEOPLE. There was none of this black and white crap that you people on here are displaying. You all need to take a page from Miss Americas book and forget what color you are. Dr. Boyce Watkins sounds like he may be a little racist himself.
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By: Theo on 2/05/2010 9:14AM
"...there is nothing more beautiful than a Black woman who has embraced excellence in her life." When are we going to stop separating ourselves based on complexion; I'm a living witness, vanilla, honey, carmel, chocolate, dark chocolate, how sweet can you get. we must embrace our own diversity. we are a rainbow of colors, thoughts, & ideas; until we learn to appreciate our own diverstiy, others will continue to abuse, misuse & use our own hatred of each other against us. WISE UP!!
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By: Bob on 2/05/2010 9:48PM
Thanks again Boyce the race baiter! I thought she was beautiful Well educated coffee and cream complexioned, well just fine all the way around! MISS AMERICA. Every thing has to be black with you. When I see you face on this page I just want to punch it!
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By: new haven, ct on 2/06/2010 8:08AM
Ms. Cameron congrats !! U R an inspiration to all little girls, black or white, please continue to keep god in your life and wear that crown with pride..........u did it !!!
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