For the past 25 years, dozens of girls between the ages of 6-12 years old have participated in the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant (LMAA) program. During that time, hundreds of scholarships have been awarded, and lasting memories have been created for these intellectual and beautiful young ladies.
While some of the girls participating in the program come from strong supportive families, the majority of them come from under-served, 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.
Founded in 1993 by Lisa Ruffin, LMAA is based on the idea that young people must begin with a strong foundation. The organization believes that each young girl in the program possesses the promise of unlimited possibilities. In partnership with supportive parents and sponsors the LMAA pageant serves as a vehicle to develop their potential and is dedicated to empowering young ladies a CAP—Confidence, Awareness and Pride—to prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
The program will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a star-studded event attended by James Pickens Jr., of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Penny Johnson Jerald of “Orville,” Keith David of “Greenleaf,” Sherre Fletcher of “Hollywood Exes,” Claudia Jordan of “Real Housewives Atlanta,” Ella Joyce of “Roc,” Roz Ryan of “Amen,” Kim Whitley and son Joshua Whitley of “Raising Whitley,” and author/professor Ron Brewington. Musical guest
