Toni Seawright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Toni Seawright
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Toni Seawright becomes the first African-American announced Miss Mississippi in 1987.
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Toni Deniece Seawright
June 25, 1964 Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actress singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 1987–present |
Toni Deniece Seawright, born on June 25, 1964, is an American actress and singer. She made history in 1987 as the first African American to be crowned Miss Mississippi. The next year, she placed fourth runner-up in the Miss America pageant.
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Early Life and Education
Toni Seawright was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She attended Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi. There, she was the first African American to earn a music degree. She studied Vocal Music and Business. She also became the first African American to perform a vocal music recital at the university.
Becoming Miss Mississippi
Toni first competed in the Miss W pageant, which was a local competition for the Miss America Pageant. After winning Miss W, she moved on to the Miss Mississippi Pageant in 1987. She won the crown, making her the first African American to ever win this title. She then represented Mississippi in the Miss America Pageant in 1987, where she was the fourth runner-up.
Music and Acting Career
Toni Seawright has sung background vocals for many famous artists. Some of these include Teena Marie, Freddie Jackson, and Shaggy.
She has also had a successful acting career. Toni starred alongside Stephanie Mills in the musical The Wiz. She made her debut on Broadway in plays like Street Corner Symphony. She also appeared in off-Broadway plays such as What Would Jesus Do? and The Widow and Miss Mamie.
Family Life
Toni Seawright is a proud mother of two sons, Qaasim Middleton and Khalil Middleton. She currently writes and produces music for them. Her sons have worked with well-known music producers.
Toni's ex-husband is Keith "Wild Child" Middleton, who was a performer in the show STOMP. Their younger son, Khalil, starred in the TV show Jack's Big Music Show on Noggin. Her older son, Qaasim, was a finalist on Season 14 of American Idol.
Health Update
In March 2020, Toni Seawright shared that she had tested positive for the coronavirus.
