When Vanessa Williams made history becoming the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America at the 1984 competition, the then-20-year-old became the talk of the nation.
Unfortunately, all of what was said about her wasn’t good talk. While many called her a role model and appreciated her groundbreaking win, Williams, now 61, says there were many others who sent racist comments and even death threats her way.
She recalls talk show host Johnny Carson making fun of her accomplishment. “When I had just won, one of my first appearances was in New York City, and I was staying at The Plaza,” Williams tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story.