Lisa Ruffin, Founder of the 32nd Annual Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant, and the judges were proud to announce Leymah Baker, 12 years old, as this year’s Pageant Queen.
The educational pageant was held recently at Barnsdall Art Park to a packed audience. Lisa Ruffin pulled out all the stops for the 32nd Anniversary of the Little Miss African-American Scholarship Pageant. The star-studded event increases the confidence of little African-American girls from across the country.
Celebrities, Community Leaders, and Influencers donate their time to serve as judges or hosts. Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives) was this year’s host. Judges included Actor James Pickens, Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy); Journalist Michelle Fisher of KABC7 Los Angeles; Emmy Nominee Actress Trisha Mann-Grant (Beyond the Gates); singer/songwriter Siedah Garrett; actor Lamon Archey (All American); Reparatory Justice Scholar & Attorney Kamilah Moore; Phillip V. Westbrooks, CEO of Spectrum Solutions, Vocalist Stephanie Spruill, Vocal Coach for the biopic Michael; Von Gretcgeb Sheoard-McApin, former International Model & Pageant Coach; Golfing Queen Sheila Washington; Model/Author Kristen Scott; actor Philip Smithey were the judges.
This year, a Queen was crowned for contestants ages 6 to 12.
Hundreds of scholarships have been awarded, and lasting memories have been created for these young Academic and intellectual princesses. While some of them come from strong, supportive families, the majority of them come from underserved, single-family homes. The pageant provides an early introduction to the arts and training in public speaking while promoting individual creativity and stimulating a heightened cultural understanding.
LMAA’s core guideline is “Confidence, Awareness, and Pride”. Through personal funds combined with the efforts and the help of incredible friends, they would not let these girls down and now hope to help create some incredible lasting memories for these young ladies. The pageant awarded over $10,000 in scholarships and prizes every year.
Councilwoman Heather Hutt for District 10 helped to support the LMAA scholarship pageant. Gene Hale with the Hale Foundation is a big supporter.
