October 29, 1957

Orean Lencola Sullivan was born in Morrilton (Conway County). Sullivan broke many color barriers in Arkansas, including being the first African American to win the Miss Arkansas Pageant (1980). In September 1980, Sullivan competed in the Miss America Pageant and was the fourth runner-up in the national pageant, the highest placement achieved by a Black contestant up to that time. In 2006, Sullivan was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.

Share

SUPPORT THE EOA

Support the Encyclopedia of Arkansas with a one-time donation or a recurring monthly gift.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

LATEST POSTS & ENTRIES

Get emails from the Encyclopedia of Arkansas to be notified about the latest blog posts, newest entries, and more.

SUBSCRIBE