Actresses Tichina Arnold, Chandra Wilson, Laila Ali, Claudia Jordan and Former NFL Curtis Conway Celebrate Little Miss Pageant

Actresses Tichina Arnold, Chandra Wilson, Laila Ali, Claudia Jordan and Former NFL Curtis Conway Celebrate Sweet Sixteen with Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant   Celebrity Judges Join Pageant Producer Lisa Ruffin at 16th Annual Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant Event

Los Angeles - Acknowledging the nation's very own First Family African American Little Misses, Sasha and Malia Obama, the Annual Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant  will  turn "Sweet Sixteen" this year on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at the Universal Sheraton Hotel. The Universal Sheraton Hotel is located at 333 Universal Terrace Parkway in Universal City, CA.    A parade of aspiring Little Misses, ages 6 to 12, along with alumni, will display their  C.A.P.'s of confidence,awareness and pride before a panel of celebrity guests to include Tichina Arnold ("Everybody Hates Chris"), former NFL player, Curtis Conway, and Extra TV's Nischelle Turner.  Chandra Wilson (ABC's Grey's Anatomy), World Boxing Champion Laila Ali, James Pickens Jr., (Grey's Anatomy), screenwriter Antwone Fisher, sports analyst Marcellus Wiley, Fox 11's Tony McEwing and the Hollywood Black Film Festival's Tanya Kersey return as well to once again judge the event. Media personality Claudia Jordan serves as host this year.   "Every year is a special year for us, but there is something about your Sweet Sixteen which adds to the occasion," offers pageant producer, choreographer/actress Lisa Ruffin. "Our Little Misses have their very own role models in Sasha and Malia Obama this year.  They are shining examples of the world of possibilities available to these young women as they pursue their dreams. It's an exciting time for all."   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.  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 the program.   To purchase tickets and to learn more about LMAA, go to http://www.littlemissafricanamerican.com  .