Kenya Summer Moore, born on January 24, 1971, in Detroit, Michigan, is an accomplished American actress, author, entrepreneur, television personality, and beauty pageant titleholder. She is best known for winning Miss USA 1993, a title that catapulted her into the spotlight.
Early Life and Education
Moore's early life was marked by challenges. She was raised by her paternal grandmother, Doris Grant, and aunt after her mother abandoned her three days after her birth. "Since birth, my mother made the decision at age 16 to pretend she never had me. She has never spoken to me," Kenya wrote. "Even if present in the same room with other people and family, she pretends that I simply don't exist. She pretends I'm invisible," Kenya revealed on her Bravo blog.
Despite these hardships, Moore excelled in her studies and graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1989. While still in high school, Moore experienced domestic violence from a much older boyfriend.
Modeling Career
Moore began modeling at the age of 14, marking the start of her journey in the world of fashion and beauty. In January 1992, she graced the cover of Ebony Man magazine. She also modelled for the Ebony Fashion Fair cosmetic line. Moore has also appeared on the covers of Glamour, Seventeen, Ebony, and Essence magazines.
Miss USA 1993
At 22, Moore won Miss Michigan USA 1993 and then became the second African American woman to win Miss USA.
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Miss USA 1993 was the 42nd Miss USA pageant, televised live from the Century II Convention Center in Wichita, Kansas on February 19, 1993. At the conclusion of the final competition, Kenya Moore of Michigan was crowned by outgoing titleholder Shannon Marketic of California. Moore became the second Miss USA titleholder from Michigan and the second African-American winner ever.
Historic Achievement
Kenya Moore's victory in 1993 was a significant milestone. She became only the second African-American woman to win the title of Miss USA, breaking barriers and inspiring many.
Here's a table highlighting Black pageant winners:
| Title | Winner | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Miss Universe | Leila Lopes | 2011 |
| Miss America | Caressa Cameron | 2010 |
| Miss USA | Crystle Stewart | 2008 |
| Miss America | Ericka Dunlap | 2004 |
| Miss America | Erika Harold | 2003 |
| Miss USA | Shauntay Hinton | 2002 |
| Miss Universe | Mpule Kwelagobe | 1999 |
| Miss Universe | Wendy Fitzwilliam | 1998 |
| Miss USA | Kenya Moore | 1993 |
| Miss America | Marjorie Vincent | 1991 |
| Miss USA | Carole Anne-Marie Gist | 1990 |
| Miss America | Kimberly Aiken | 1994 |
| Miss America | Vanessa Williams | 1984 |
Moore Vision Media
Moore has also produced and directed various projects and launched her own company, Moore Vision Media in 2008. Moore Vision Media produced the erotic thriller "The Confidant". Moore is credited as producer/director of the film Trapped: Haitian Nights. After the project lost its director, Moore took over the production and completed the film.
How Did Kenya Moore Become Famous? - The Rich And Famous Files
Author and Entrepreneur
On November 28, 2007, Moore published a book titled Game, Get Some!: What Women Really Want. Described as a how-to guide, the book is a self-help and conduct containing relationship advice, as well as the author's personal experiences regarding interpersonal and intimate relationships.
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Moore has stated about the book, "No one man can know everything there is to know about women, but with my help, they may just come close; I feel like the female Ms. Hitch! I want to bring us together not apart."
The author reviews self-esteem and self-concept issues, offers sexual advice, discusses tips on mending a relationship or the proper way to break up. In 2012, Moore released her debut single, "Gone With the Wind Fabulous." In 2013, Moore released her own exercise video, named "Kenya Moore: Booty Boot Camp". This venture rivalled former The Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Phaedra Parks own workout video and was a primary storyline in the show's fifth season.
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