October 2, 2007

In 1980, Lencola Sullivan of Morrilton (Conway County) made both state and national beauty pageant history. In July, she became the first African American to win the title of Miss Arkansas. Just a few months later, she became the first African American to finish in the top five of the national Miss America pageant when she finished fourth runner-up. When her pageant career came to a close, Sullivan went on to become an entertainer and motivational speaker.