STUTTGART — The spirit of community and recognition shone brightly recently with the successful launches of the first Barbara Hobbs Community Service Cookout and Awards Recognition Event and Rock Island Day.
Held simultaneously on opposite ends of the north side of town on July 5, both events aimed to honor the rich history, enduring legacy and significant cultural contributions of the Black community.
What began as a hopeful idea blossomed into a successful celebration that drew more than 1,200 people in attendance. Families enjoyed food, fun and fellowship, gathering from Cherry Street to Second Street to celebrate.
The declaration of July 5 as Rock Island Day came from the desire to celebrate the community’s heritage. Organizer Robert Chambers expressed his hope that in the years to come, Rock Island Day would become even bigger and better.
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The specific significance of July 5 is connected to the 100th birthday of one of Rock Island’s matriarchs, Mama Zola Lloyd, mother of Joanne Loudermilk.
Chambers added that an influx of people would be in town for Independence Day. The day was packed with activities designed to honor the Rock Island community. Key highlights were activities for kids and musical performances by Christian artists such as The One Man Band Minister Paul Lowe and Minister Freddie Mac Robinson. Willis Chambers also performed and hip-hop artist Arkansas Bo performed before a standing-room-only audience.
“The Rock Island Addition is renowned for its deep roots and cultural contributions and Rock Island Day aimed to highlight these,” said Chambers.
According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, the history of Rock Island in Stuttgart is intertwined with the growth of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and the development of the town itself.
The Rock Island Railroad significantly expanded its operations in Arkansas, largely through its acquisition of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad. This strategic move established crucial rail connections between Stuttgart and other regions of Arkansas, as well as points beyond the state. The Rock Island Railroad’s presence in the area was further strengthened by incorporating the Stuttgart & Rice Belt Railroad. The railroad’s freight operations were substantially supported by key commodities such as oil from southern Arkansas, coal from western Arkansas and lumber products originating from Central and southern Arkansas.
One unique contribution celebrated, according to Chambers, was the fact that Rock Island was home to one of the first skating rinks in Stuttgart. Chambers said he was taught as a young child how significant Rock Island was by his mother, Claudean Bradley Chambers-Cutts, affectionately called “Pet.”
Chambers expressed that in a very positive manner, the event aimed to “let the broader community know that we can celebrate our beloved Rock Island without violence.”
“I would like to first thank God and then say a special thank you to Robert Chambers and Charles Smith for the first of many Rock Island Days,” said Loudermilk. “I want to tell the Rock Island family you made me and all our deceased family proud.”
One notable individual recognized during the event was Andre Louis Robinson, who was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award.
One of the biggest triumphs is seeing over 1,200 people come together without violence, and the Sugartown Riders National President, Luke Cool Hand Green, coined the phrase “Rock Island One Love,” said Chambers.
“I have officially passed the torch to Luke to be in charge of Rock Island Day,” said Chambers, adding he would stay on as an adviser.
Chambers said the community’s response to the success of Rock Island Day has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees enjoying the day and many wanting to continue the celebration.
Opportunities for community members to get involved in future Rock Island Day celebrations are plentiful, and what Chambers hopes attendees take away from Rock Island Day is simple yet profound: “That we can socialize without violence. Rock Island One Love!”
Barbara Hobbs Community Service Cookout
Organized by brothers Brian and Tyrone Coleman, the event aimed to unite the community and celebrate its unsung heroes. When asked about the inspiration behind the event, the brothers reflected, “Our Mother Barbara Hobbs, and the state of the world today.”
“It just felt like we needed to bring everyone back to the same team, and to have similar agendas,” said Tyrone.
Their primary goals for the event were twofold: “First to give back to the community that gave to us. Secondly, to recognize the people who are giving back, but not getting their flowers or recognition. People take people who are doing a service for granted, and don’t see their heart,” said Brian.
J.B. Bryant Park was the host site for the lively event, where families enjoyed games and line dancing to four DJs. Community volunteers grilled free food, filling the park with delicious aromas.
Planning an inaugural did come with its share of challenges. The Colemans admitted their biggest hurdle was “not being able to have boots on the ground, not being able to do ripping and running that we needed to do.” However, they overcame this by leveraging the dedication of community members in Stuttgart.
“We were able to overcome those issues by using people who wanted to serve the community just like us. Whatever we needed done, they would handle it from Stuttgart, because we were planning from Jonesboro and Texas. That’s why this event is so important,” they both explained.
Former council member Joe Alexander Jr. and Pastor Debra Burton of Traveler’s Rest were awarded the Barbara Hobbs Community Service Awards. “This award really touched my heart,” said Alexander. “Thank you, Brian and Tyrone Coleman for recognizing my hard work in the community.”
According to the Colemans, the selection process for community award recipients was guided by a clear philosophy. “The process we used to select recipients for the awards is simple: people who have the same vision that we have,” the brothers stated. “What does that mean, people who care about the community and want it to continue to get better. People who do the work for other people, people who do things because they want to, not for the exposure, but because they have a big heart.”
“I can’t stop smiling after such an amazing day,” said Stuttgart native Kimberly Cunningham-Brumfield. “Memories were made, laughs were shared and a great time was had by all.”
The Colemans believe this event will significantly impact community bonds. “We feel like it will give people a sense of being a part of a feel-good, and uprising of their peers and others, and bring back pride to their community,” they said.
Furthermore, they see a vital role for the event in recognizing unsung heroes. “We think it will allow the community to see the people who are out here fighting and working for their community, and heroes and role models for kids who they actually know. It will also give the people who are being recognized a sense of purpose to continue what they are doing,” said Brian.
On the day of the event, the Colemans were most excited “about getting the chance to give our mother and others their flowers, letting people see and understand that people here care about the city of Stuttgart.”
A particularly poignant moment for them was the naming of the event itself. “But nothing was as big as naming the event after our mother as we did while presenting her with her award, the Barbara Hobbs Community Service Cookout,” they concluded.
The simultaneous inaugural events successfully honored the Black community’s history, legacy and cultural contributions in Stuttgart. Both celebrations fostered a strong sense of community, drawing large crowds who enjoyed food, fellowship and entertainment, while emphasizing the importance of unity and celebrating without violence.
“Today was a wonderful day all over the city of Stuttgart, Arkansas,” said Alexander. “I know that there were people who didn’t believe that we all were capable of having these events today without something terrible taking place.”
The organizers of both events expressed hope for the continued growth and impact of these events in the years to come, recognizing both unsung heroes and the collective spirit of the community.
“I’m so honored to have been a part of all of the wonderful acts of service, kindness, and fellowship in my town,” said Stuttgart resident Tameko Thompkins. “The greatest gift was from God that we celebrated without incident.”
