With Ellis Island as a backdrop, Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap outlined plans to promote cultural diversity during her year with the crown.
Dunlap, 21, who won the title in Atlantic City, N.J., last month, said Monday she'll take her message of inclusion to children, corporations and communities during her national speaking tour.
That includes more than racial and ethnic diversity, said Dunlap, a University of Central Florida student and aspiring lawyer who interrupted her studies to compete for Miss America.
"I hope to foster an understanding for people about different cultures and allow people the opportunity to be comfortable discussing their culture. Diversity isn't just about race, it's about age, religion, physical ability, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity.
"Our country just needs to be a little more accepting, and hopefully I'll be able to educate people — not preach to them — about how to accept people on a better level," Dunlap said.