Toni Seawright

Toni Seawright
Toni Seawright becomes the first African-American announced Miss Mississippi in 1987.
Born	Toni Deniece Seawright (1964-06-25) June 25, 1964 (age 52) Pascagoula, Mississippi
Occupation	Actress Singer-Songwriter
Years active	1987–present

Toni Deniece Seawright (born June 25, 1964) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. In 1987, Seawright made history as the first African American to become Miss Mississippi and was the fourth runner-up in 1988’s Miss America pageant.

Seawright was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She attended Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi, where she was the first African American to earn a degree in music at Mississippi University for Women, and majored in Vocal Music and Business at that university. Toni became the first African American to hold a recital in vocal music at MUW as well. She went on to compete for Miss W, the local chapter preliminary to the Miss America Pageant and won. This win put her in the position to compete for the state's Miss Mississippi Pageant in 1987. She went on to capture the coveted crown, making history as the very first African American to ever win. She was the fourth runner-up in the Miss America Pageant, representing the state of Mississippi in 1987.

Seawright sang background vocals for artists such as Teena Marie, Freddie Jackson, Tony Terry, RuPaul, Shaggy, and Laura Branigan. Seawright starred alongside Stephanie Mills and Andre DeShields in the musical The Wiz. Ms. Seawright made her Broadway debut in Street Corner Symphony and Delta Rising, both at the 651 Arts Theater. She also starred in the off-Broadway play Josh (The Black Babe Ruth)/Satchel (Requiem for Racism) at the National Federal Theater (also known as the Abron Arts Center), and Sister Ann in the AUDELCO award-winning play What Would Jesus Do? at the Billie Holiday Theater. Seawright most recently appeared starring as Miss Mamie in "The Widow and Miss Mamie" at the Harlem School of the Arts.