In September 1945, in spite of anonymous phone calls to pageant judges warning them not to let a Jew win, Bess Myerson – the daughter of struggling immigrants from Russia – became the first and only Jewish Miss America. The only college graduate among the contestants, Bess won the swimsuit competition, tied for first in talent, and was top-ranked in interviews and evening wear. Yet pageant sponsors withdrew the $5,000 scholarship and the new Ford car — and then her Miss America tour ended early when race-restricted hotels and concert venues closed their doors to a Jew. Heartbroken, Bess returned to her family’s one-bedroom apartment in a Jewish housing project in the Bronx mid-year. Instead, she partnered with the Anti-Defamation League on a speaking tour to schools to share her message of tolerance and respect for others. Bess’s inspiring story is told through historic photographs, film clips, and interviews with Bess Myerson’s daughter Barra Grant; Bess’s friend Abraham Foxman, ADL director emeritus; and Prof. Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.