31st Annual Pageant Crowns New Queen and Princess
The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant celebrated its 31st anniversary in Los Angeles, continuing its mission to uplift young African American girls through education, the arts, and community support.
Founder Lisa Ruffin proudly announced Paityn McElhannon as the 2025 Queen and Lauren Lawson as the Princess at the packed Barnsdall Art Park event.
Former winner Zaya Campbell, daughter of Grammy Award-winning singer Erica Campbell of Mary Mary and music producer Warryn Campbell, returned to pass down her crown. She was also honored with Community Service Awards for her outstanding contributions over the past year.
Winners, Scholarships, and Community Support
The competition featured two categories: the Queen category for ages 10–12 and the Princess category for ages 6–9. In addition to McElhannon and Lawson’s victories, other standout contestants included Khoi Murphy (1st runner-up, Queen), Jadine Patrick (2nd runner-up, Queen), and Aalaija Quigless (3rd runner-up, Queen). For the Princess group, Alyse Harmon placed 1st runner-up, Billie Warren 2nd runner-up, and Satorie Wright 3rd runner-up.
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More than $10,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded, continuing a legacy of supporting hundreds of young women from across the country. While some contestants come from strong support systems, many are from underserved, single-parent households, making the pageant’s investment in education and self-confidence even more impactful.
Star-Studded Celebration
This year’s event brought together celebrities, community leaders, and influencers who donated their time to serve as judges and hosts. Erica Gimpel (God Friended Me) and Elia Cantu (Days of Our Lives) hosted the show, while the judging panel included James Pickens Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy), journalist Michelle Fisher (KABC7), actress Loren Lott (The Young and the Restless), Aaron Jennings (Dexter: Original Sin), and several other distinguished professionals.
A special highlight was the return of Elainna Smith, a 1993 contestant, who performed the pageant’s signature African dance alongside her daughter, a contestant this year. The performance symbolized the generational impact and legacy of the pageant.
Empowering Young Girls Through Confidence, Awareness, and Pride
The pageant’s core values — Confidence, Awareness, and Pride — guide every aspect of the competition. Participants receive early exposure to public speaking, arts, and cultural education, while also learning leadership skills and building self-esteem.
Support from community leaders including Councilwoman Heather Hutt (District 10), Councilwoman Nithya Raman (District 4), and Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas further amplified the event’s success. Gene Hale and the Hale Foundation also played a pivotal role in providing resources and recognition.
Looking Ahead for the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant
Founded by Lisa Ruffin, the pageant has become a staple in celebrating and nurturing the potential of young African American girls for over three decades. With continued support from celebrities, community leaders, and organizations, the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant is poised to inspire and empower generations to come.
For more information, visit www.littlemissafricanamerican.org, or follow updates on Instagram at @littlemissafricanamerican and on Facebook at Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant.
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