Powerful, Inspirational, Thought-Provoking are words that describe this moving memoir. Catherine's courage and resilience throughout this book offer hope and encouragement to those on their own personal journey. -Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson, Radio/TV One Inc. After overcoming a near fatal childhood illness, a 19 year old black college student, Catherine Pope, sets her eyes on the 1969 Miss America Crown. While searching for the crown, she finds herself fighting to fulfill her destiny as she encounters strong reactions from both the black and white communities. Her captivating story spans generations, and takes place in Omaha and small, rural towns in then predominately white Nebraska. You will find yourself enthralled and entangled in her story of love, compassion, disappointments, laughter, tears, murder, sexual assault, demonstrations, riots, and brushes with death. This is a spellbinding, compelling, real life, and universal drama that could have happened anywhere in the United States.