Bonnie Bell: Trailblazer in Ranson's Pageantry History
First ‘Miss Jefferson County’ reflects on racial discrimination
The Spirit of Jefferson | Wednesday, February 19, 2025
In a poignant reflection published by The Spirit of Jefferson, Bonnie Bell recalls being crowned the first 'Miss Jefferson County' at Jefferson High School's 1973 pageant. Despite her achievement as an African American teenager in an era marked by racial discrimination, she feels her victory was facilitated by the judges' unawareness of her ethnicity, attributed to her light skin and smooth hair. Bell shares her fond memories of the pageant, including wearing a beautiful gown and employing humor in her responses, highlighting the complex history of race in this West Virginia community.