Yolande Betbeze, 1950

Mobile native Yolande Betbeze (1929-2016), seen here in 1950 as a Miss America contestant, caused significant change of direction in the contest in 1951 by refusing to wear bathing suits during her year as Miss America. Betbeze’s refusal was seen as a stand for feminism and she went on to become a civil rights and anti-nuclear advocate.

Courtesy of Library of Congress