Sentinel News Service 

Lisa Ruffin, founder/producer of the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant, is surrounded by contestants at the Music Center performance by Misty Copeland in Los Angeles. (Courtesy photo)

The 29th Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant is accepting applications for the 2023 nationwide registration.  Young participants, between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, are invited to apply to participate in the pageant.  

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 2. The pageant will be held on Sunday, August 6, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood, said Lisa Ruffin, founder/producer. More than $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded. 

“The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant is an educational program in pageant format dedicated to the intellectual advancement of African American youth,” explained Ruffin, who is a multi-talented performer and award-winning choreographer.  

“The girls learn to wear their C.A.P., which stands for confidence, awareness, and pride.  Selected participants undertake a cultural enrichment program designed to promote teamwork, self-esteem, and heighten cultural awareness,” she said.  

Participants will take classes in public speaking, science, technology, and etiquette and are taught performances by award-winning choreographers.  Also, the experience acquaints young ladies with new friends and teaches them about African American history. 

“By fostering these universal attributes at such a tender age, our girls grow to be leaders in their communities and help to change the world,” said Ruffin, who added Crystal Young, Myisha Lyseight and ShaVon Lucky are three former pageant queens that donated their talent to the event. 

To apply for the pageant, visit littlemissafricanamerican.org.