Miss Illinois Marjorie Judith Vincent, a law student who said she wants to help with the economic development of Haiti, was named Miss America 1991 Saturday night, becoming the fourth black woman to hold the coveted title of America's unofficial sweet-heart.
Vincent, 25, Oak Park, Ill., appeared stunned as her name was called at the conclusion of the two-hour nationally televised pageant finals. Tears swelled in her eyes as she was fitted with the rhinestone-studded tiara by her predecessor, Miss America 1990 Debbye Turner of Columbia, Mo.She then made the traditional stroll down the runway, waving and smiling to a sold-out crowd in Convention Center on the Boardwalk and a television audience estimated at more than 60 million.
Serenading the new Miss America with the theme song "There She Is" was Bert Parks, returning to the pageant after a 10-year hiatus.
The pageant was co-hosted by master of ceremonies Gary Collins and Miss America 1971, Phillis George.
Vincent, a 5-foot-6, 110-pound, brown-eyed brunette, returned to the stage and was mobbed by pageant contestants from the other 49 states before being whisked away to her first news conference as the 64th Miss America.
The new Miss America, a third-year-student at Duke University Law School, receives $42,500 in scholarships and the chance to earn more than $100,000 in fees for appearances across the country next year.
Vincent, whose parents are from Haiti, speaks fluent French and Creole and is studying Japanese. After graduation from law school, she said she wants to practice international law and assist in the economic development of Haiti.
The accomplished pianist performed a Chopin piano solo in the talent competition.