*“I love events like this, that showcases young talent. It’s so needed within our community,” said actor Norman Towns (I am Ali), who was a judge at the 26th Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant held recently at the Nate Holden Theatre in Los Angeles. “I’m looking for individuality, something that stands out. I’m going into it with an open mind to see what comes at me and I’ll go from there.”
The scholarship pageant showcases the artistic talents and creativity of girls of color from ages 6 – 12 years-old. They are also interviewed to train them in public speaking. The majority of the participants come from under-served and single parent homes. Started 26 years ago by Philadelphia born Billboard topping singer, actress (“The Raven”, “All My Children”) and American Music Award winning choreographer Lisa Ruffin (“Moesha” and Broadway’s “Up Close and Personal”), the pageant is a 501 C (3) program. The event is produced with the sponsorship support of Los Angeles City Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr.
“Lisa keeps us updated,” said actress Penny Johnson-Jerald (Deep Space 9 and “24”), who hosted the pageant which had a special tribute to Janice Freeman, finalist of “The Voice” television competition and Nikki Potts, an original member of The Kurt Carr Singers. Aside from the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant host Johnson-Jared (“Orville”) other participants included judges Emmy nominated Kym Whitley (“Raising Whitley”), Ella Joyce (“Roc”), Professor Ron Brewington (“The Actor Choice”), Saundra McClain (“Maid in Manhattan”), Norman Towns, Marvelous Miles (“Wild ‘N Out”), Loran Lott (“American Idol”), psychologist Dr. Ndidi Onyejiaka, Peter Wise (Peter Wise Actors Studio), and Camille Hyde (“Power Rangers”).
“I’m looking for devotion to your talent,” said actress Camille Hyde (“The Good Doctor”) about judging the pageant. “Thinking outside the box.” www.LittleMissAfricanAmerican.org
SYNDICATED COLUMN: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment. She is also a Public Relations Strategist and Business Management Consultant at Freelance Associates, and is Promotions Director (at-large) for The Baltimore Times. www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com. EVENT: Eunice is founder of the annual “Uplifting Minds II” Entertainment Conference (ULMII), into its 20th year. Next event dates include Los Angeles Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (511) and Baltimore Saturday April 18, 2020, held in partnership with Security Square Mall and The Baltimore Times. The free conference offers an Entertainment Business Panel and a Talent Showcase and Competition (vocal, songwriting, dance and acting) with over $15,000 valued in prizes/product/services to selected artists. Log onto www.UpliftingMinds2.com for more information or to participate as a panelist or talent call 562-424-3836.
www.GoFundMe.com/Uplifting-Minds-II-Entertainment-Conference
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