Founded in 1997 in Fort Smith, AR, the Miss Black Teen Tours program began as Miss Black Teen Fort Smith. It was started by Larger than Life Production’s owner Genine L. Perez and community leader, Glenn Brewer. The program was established to provide young ladies in Fort Smith, AR with positive activities designed to promote character and service.
15 year-old Candace Hayes was crowned the first Miss Black Teen Fort Smith. Her court was first runner-up McKenna Parrish and second runner-up, Raven Dean.
The tour was produced to give young women a positive interaction in life. It is designed to teach them aspects of life that they will need to succeed. The program is based on four major principles: Cultural Awareness, building Character, Educational enrichment, and Community Service. It last a total of four (4) to six (6) months, and ends with a pageant and crowning of Miss Black Teen Tours. This is an opportunity for young ladies to build themselves up spiritually, emotionally, and educationally.
