History of the Little Miss AKA Pageant
The first Little Miss AKA Pageant was held in 1988. Since then, it has become the primary biennial fundraiser for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Kappa Lambda Omega Chapter (“the chapter”). Through support from the contestants, parents/guardians, members, and community, more than $150,000 in scholarships has been awarded to deserving college-bound young women of African American descent. Today, the pageant remains a biennial event and has expanded its fundraising focus to support other important community service projects, food and clothing drives for the homeless, and programs for elderly residents at the chapter’s adopted facility, Home Mission Haven. In addition to helping fund other community initiatives, this effort allows the chapter to strengthen families, protect the environment, focus on health and contribute to the educational enrichment of students in the local schools.
The pageant provides young girls, between the ages of seven and 12, with positive role models, enrichment activities and encouragement. The event is also known for showcasing the diverse talent of Music City as well as highlighting the city’s future leaders.
Events leading up to pageant night include a series of workshops incorporating the pageant’s overall theme and focusing on areas such as self-esteem, etiquette and leadership development. The contestants will have an opportunity to interact and have fun with their peers and fellow pageant participants during the social activity, as well as learn the importance of giving back to the community through participation in a group service project. The contestants will also attend family planned events such as our Mother/Daughter Luncheon and Father/Daughter Brunch. In addition, participation has dramatically increased by including young boys to serve as escorts to the contestants, a young boy in her age group. The escorts participate in a workshop featuring local African American businessmen and community leaders who speak to them about manners, chivalry, career choices and other relevant topics. The escorts also showcase their talents during the pageant by offering their own entertaining performance.
Seventeen young girls have been crowned Little Miss AKA since the pageant’s inception. Each winner receives prizes, special gifts, and recognition throughout the year. All of the contestants who participate in the pageant will receive an award acknowledging their participation.
Mission
The mission of the Little Miss AKA Pageant is to help girls build a foundation for leadership and develop skills that will allow them to act as agents of positive change in their communities. We accomplish our mission by sponsoring seven through 12-year-old girls through a series of workshops, service projects and enrichment activities.