7-Year-Old Makes History As First African American To Be Crowned Tiny Miss Princess of America

She’s Tulsa’s tiny sweetheart!

Paris Epps may just be 7-years-old but she’s already making her mark in history, The Oklahoma Eagle reports. The daughter of Dr. Shavonda Pannell and Wilis Epps, granddaughter of Anthony and Valonda Pannell, and great granddaughter of “King Arthur” Pannell, a pioneering entrepreneur and restaurateur in the Tulsa, Oklahoma community, Paris comes from a long legacy of trailblazers. With that same spirit, the young frontrunner is now paving her own way, making history as the first African American to be crowned Tiny Miss Princess of America. 

The Princess of America Organization is a national pageant aimed at developing confidence and leadership skills for girls ages 4-24. Participants must complete community service projects, give back to the community, practice their communication skills through mock interviews and live speaking engagements, and show off their other talents through runway modeling, special talents, etc. 

Each year, Princess of American awards 10 national titles, one in each of the six age divisions and four other national titles. Two “Superstar” titles are also awarded to those with overall talent and two “Ambassador” titles are given in the junior and senior divisions to those who exhibit exceptional skills in appearance, community service work, and volunteerism during their time as state/regional title holders. 

Paris competed in the National Princess of America Pageant this past July in Branson, Missouri. The 7-year-old was victorious, not only making history as the first black Tiny Miss Princess of America, but also winning divisional titles for Casual Wear and Activewear, second runner-up for most Photogenic, a Top 10 Superstar finalist award and the winner in Best Interview, Best Smile, and Miss Personality. 

As Tiny Miss Princess of America, Paris will now be responsible for representing the organization for the next year, traveling across the country to speak about the organization’s mission and values while also promoting her own “Paris to the Rescue” organization which supports awareness and adoption efforts for rescue animals. Paris also will receive her official custom crown, banner, flowers, crystal award, a cash scholarship, Caribbean cruise, and other gifts and prizes. 

For young winners like Paris, the crown is bigger than a pageant, it’s an opportunity to service people across the country while showing other young girls what opportunities are on the other side of hard work and dedication. The self-confidence and skills they learn help develop young leaders, each participant also teaching that to others while galvanizing around worthy causes, something Paris’ family has believed in since before she was born.  

Paris’ mother took to social media to share her joy upon learning about her daughter’s historic win. 

“Y’all the joy I felt hearing this news is unexplainable! She is really making strides and making history! I am soooo proud of this little girl! She truly is Tulsa’s Sweetheart,” Dr. Shavonda Pannell wrote. 

Congratulations Paris! We can’t wait to see what you do next!

Cover photo: 7-year-old makes history as first African American to be crowned Tiny Miss Princess of America/Photo Courtesy of @ParisSimone_Official/Instagram