Just months after the revelations of the Holocaust's devastation,

[elleng]

Bess Myerson was crowned the first (and only) Jewish Miss America #OnThisDay in 1945.

Myerson refused to adopt a suggested less-ethnic pseudonym, and her victory was seen as a symbol of America's rejection of the crimes and prejudices that ravaged Europe as well as a representation of the vitality of the American Jewish community.

Myerson's win did not receive automatic acceptance. When an invitation to speak at a country club was revoked because of her Judaism, Myerson distanced herself from the pageant scene, and instead began lecturing about discrimination and the consequences of prejudice.

[OAITW r.2.0]

1. I did not know.

She was in my Mom and Dad's generation. I sorta knew her, but not really....then, not at all.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I remember her, she was on TV shows when I was growing up

I had no clue about her religion - how awful that she experienced prejudice.

[Skittles]

4. I remember her too

she was lovely

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Yes, she was always elegant

Though I can't help remembering her wearing a mink coat - on some show.

[Skittles]

6. pretty common back then

I'm glad that went out of style, I think mink coats are hideous.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. I know, no one could get away with wearing them anymore

But on the old TV shows - including Bewitched that I watched recently - every woman wants a mink coat...

[wnylib]

3. I remember her. Did not know that she was Jewish.

[jg10003]

8. She was the first Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs

In 1969 she was appointed by Mayor John V. Lindsay to become the first Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. She became a pioneer in consumer protection law. She also served on several presidential commissions on violence, mental health, workplace issues, and hunger in the 1960s and 1970s.

[elleng]

9. Right, thanks for remembering!