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For 15 years, actress/ choreographer Lisa Ruffin, has emphasized brains over beauty, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of impressionable young girls over the years with her Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant.  When the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant (LMAA) celebrates its landmark 15th year on Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 4:00 pm in Los Angeles, California at the Universal Sheraton in Universal City, it will be an occasion not to be missed.

In addition to a pageantry of intelligent young women, aged 6-12, a host of celebrity talent will serve as judges, making the event a most memorable one for everyone involved.  Emmy nominated actress, Chandra Wilson (ABC's Grey's Anatomy), World Boxing Champion Laila Ali, actress LisaRaye Misick ( All of Us)  and James Pickens Jr. (ABC's Grey's Anatomy) are confirmed to join an already celebrity packed panel of judges and presenters, which includes: Curtis Conway, former NFL Player and Antwone Fisher (Screenwriter of "Antwone Fisher"), Tequan Richmond (Everybody Hates Chris), Jimmy Jean Louis (Heroes), actress Roz Ryan, soulful balladeer, Howard Hewett and news anchor Tony McEwing, just to name a few.

"This annual event is so special to my heart," reveals Ruffin, "it is truly a labor of love.  These little women are the leaders of tomorrow.  I have an alumni of young adults today that just makes my heart so proud.  It is a special pleasure to have my celebrity friends join in this effort.  The experience is one the young ladies and their families will treasure forever!"  

LMAA is a non-profit educational program designed to showcase the creative and academic talents of young girls living in urban centers throughout the country. Each year, girls between the ages of 6-12 years old participate in this program. The pageant provides an early introduction to the arts and training in public speaking, while promoting individual creativity and stimulating a heightened cultural understanding.  It is the largest scholarship pageant for African American girls of this age group.

Created by Lisa Ruffin in 1993, LMAA has raised thousands of dollars towards the educational aspirations of its participants as well as their families.  Thousands of lives have been touched and changed through this program.

This year, LMAA will provide prizes and scholarships to schools including Phillips Performing Arts Musical Theater for Kids, Alexia Robinson's Acting School and City of Angeles Ballet. The reigning Queen will receive a trip to Disney World in Florida.  Contestants will also have the opportunity to meet with people who have become successful in a variety of professions.

To learn more about LMAA, visit: www.littlemissafricanamerican.com . 

Tickets are still available at Ticket Master and www.TicketMaster.com