Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Friday, Jan. 31
Exodus.Life plans open house
Exodus.Life, 316 W. Sixth Ave., will host an open house and ribbon cutting from noon to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Refreshments will be served, according to a flier. “Exodus.Life is a 501c3, non-profit organization, dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate addiction treatment services to individuals, no matter where they are in their recovery journey,” according to its website. The community is invited to attend. To RSVP, visit www.exodus.life.
ARTx3 presents Karaoke Night
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Patrons are invited to join the ARTx3 Campus for a night of musical magic during ART WORKS Presents: Karaoke from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 31 at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. This program is for ages 16 and older. “Participants will step into the spotlight and have a moment to shine. Seasoned performers and first-timers are welcome to belt out their favorite tunes solo and grab friends to sing their hearts out and dazzle the crowd,” according to a news release. Interim director Lindsey Collins will host the event. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Details: Collins at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Feb. 1
ARTx3 to hold panel on activism, outreach
The ARTx3 Campus will host a panel discussion in conjunction with the exhibition “Parking Lot Space: Artworks by Kenneth Reams,” touching on topics dealing with the arts, activism and community outreach. The panel is from 3-7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. It features panelists from across Arkansas, as well as from New York and Colorado. The exhibition, also opening Feb. 1, includes a collection of artwork created by incarcerated artist and Pine Bluff native Kenneth Reams, and developed and designed by ASC curator Kevin Haynie. A reception for the exhibition will follow at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and the events are open to the public, according to a news release. “Parking Lot Space” is on view from Feb. 1 to July 26 in ASC’s William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery. Those planning to attend the panel discussion are asked to RSVP at artx3.org/all-events/kenneth-reams-panel-reception or by calling (870) 536-3375. Details: Kevin Haynie at khaynie@artx3.org or call.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1
Foundation takes scholarship forms
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County from Saturday through March 15. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, according to a news release. To see the available scholarships and to begin the application process, students may visit www.arcf.org/scholarships. For details, visit the website or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org or (870) 850-7934. The deadline to apply is March 15.
Through Saturday, Feb. 1
Joyce Elliott scholarship available
The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus established a scholarship to increase the number of qualified, underrepresented minority college students entering public service. For her 30 years of dedication as an educator and 22 years as a legislator, the scholarship is named after former state senator Joyce Elliott. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a full-time student during the King Kennedy Awards, according to a news release. The applicant must be enrolled at one of the following historically black Colleges and universities (HBCUs) — Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Shorter College or the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1. Applications are available at https://form.jotform.com/243275050833150. Details: Scholarship Chair Miriam Bernard at mebernard1@comcast.net or (501) 258-8111.
Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1
Blues concert series set
The “Blues By Budweiser” concert series for 2024-2025 include: Feb. 1, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain. The series is held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. and the music will begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. Admission is $5 for others. The concert series is being sponsored by MK Distributors, according to a news release.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Barraque church honors pastor
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will celebrate the fifth pastoral appreciation for the Rev. Sidney Milton Sr. on Feb. 2. At 11 a.m. the guest speaker will be Clarence Holman, pastor of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, accompanied by his members. At 3 p.m. the featured speaker will be Dwight D. Townsend Sr., pastor of Longley Baptist Church of Little Rock, accompanied by his congregation.
Monday, Feb. 3
1st Ward pantry, partners to feed county staff
The First Ward Living Grace Pantry, 1201 Commerce Road, will provide free groceries and hot plate lunches to Jefferson County employees Monday from 12:30-3 p.m. This initiative, made possible through collaboration with FWLGP, Arkansas Food Bank, Hands of Niche’ and Moma Linda, aims to offer much needed relief to county employees who have yet to receive their pay. It is a gesture of support for those facing hardship and a reminder that the community stands together in times of need. Details: (479) 301-1096 or https://firstwardpantry.wixsite.com/fwlgp.
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 4
Grand Prairie plans photo contest
The 68th Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts will accept entries in the photography at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. This juried competition is open to adults and youth, according to a news release. The reception/awards event will be held Feb. 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. and the exhibit will be open Feb. 1-28. To register and for details, visit www.grandprairiearts.com or contact the center at artscenter001@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
UAPB to host National Signing Day party
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team will host a National Signing Day party on Feb. 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the UAPB STEM Building. UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton and his staff will reveal their 2025 signing class and discuss the future of Golden Lion football, according to a news release. The event is free to the public and will feature food and drinks, giveaways and a meet and greet with the coaches. Information about season tickets will also be available. Fans are encouraged to wear black and gold.
Chamber’s next luncheon set
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its next monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 5 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be Superintendent Keith McGee of Watson Chapel School District, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch will be catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill. The cost is $15 and must be paid in advance. To RSVP, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, Feb. 6
Neighbor to Neighbor sets soup sale
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual SOUPer Bowl soup sale from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St. Soups are $10 and seafood chowders and others are $15 a quart. Soups are limited and first come first served, so come early. All proceeds go to feeding the community through the agency’s food pantry and daily lunches. “So, come get your soup and get ready to enjoy the big game,” according to a news release.
See the order form on Neighbor to Neighbor’s Facebook page at WWW.facebook.com/n2nJeffCo .
Friday, Feb. 7
Live@5 features MCE
The ARTx3 Campus opens its Live@5 season with MCE from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “Founded in 2008, MCE (Music, Culture, Evolution) has captivated audiences across the nation with their performances and recordings,” according to the release. “From coffee shops to cultural festivals, band members Obafemi (Magnum), Ced Adamz and Eshmelek left an indelible mark on every stage through their signature sound, a fusion of gritty urban poetry and soulful melodies. Through their music, they seek to shed light on unspoken truths and inspire action to create a better world, one verse at a time.” Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Guests must be 21 or older. Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and snacks are provided by Live@5 sponsor MK Distributors.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Pilgrim church to give away food
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will open its Raven’s Nest Food Pantry Feb. 8 from 8-9:30 a.m. or until all the food has been given away. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
Madkin’s literacy program open to 3-6 year olds
Ages 3-6 are invited to Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! with Melanie Madkin from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “Madkin, of Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Program, aims to foster a love of the wonderful world of literacy in a quiet and nurturing environment with this monthly event,” according to the news release. Register at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-feb-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Family FunDay: Squeegee Painting set
The community is invited to the ARTx3 Campus’ free Second Saturday Family FunDay: Squeegee Painting from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “Create unique abstract paintings using a squeegee and make bold and expressive patterns on canvas or paper. This fun, experimental process allows participants to explore various color combinations and textures,” according to the news release. FunDay offers monthly hands-on arts and science activities in which visitors create art, complete science projects, or perform dance, music or theater. Details: Program Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Kings Highway holds Women’s Day
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker St., will observe Women’s Day on Feb. 9 beginning at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School highlights by Isabelle Hawkins of Barnett Chapel Baptist Church. Mia Meadows of New Hope Baptist Church in North Little Rock will be the featured speaker in the 10:45 a.m. worship. Donna Huskey of Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church will be the guest choir director. Choir rehearsal will be Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
TOPPS will give away food
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold its monthly food distribution at 10 a.m. Feb. 11. The distribution will follow a drive-through format, according to a news release. All participants must register and bring an ID that includes proof of address. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with one box allowed per household. Details: Annette Howard Dove, founder/director, TOPPS Inc., (870) 850-6011.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Generator sets business pitch contest
The Generator, 435 S. Main St., will host a mini business pitch competition and workshop along with a Success is Sweet Business Networking Mixer from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 13. The community is invited to attend, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. From 5-6 p.m., the Pitch Your Passion mini pitch competition workshop will help entrepreneurs craft a pitch that stands out. From 5:30-6 p.m., entrepreneurs will present their one to three minute pitches for the chance to win 1st Place: an iPad, 2nd Place: a laptop, or 3rd place: A Business Funding and Government Contract Preparation Session. From 6-7 p.m., the Success is Sweet Business Networking Mixer will be held. To enter the pitch competition, call The Generator at (870) 663-0200.
Friday, Feb. 14
Alphas plan scholarship fundraiser
The Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, will present the Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser at 7:06 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The community is invited to attend the gala which funds thousands of dollars in scholarships for area students. The theme is “All Black Affair.” Tickets are $40 per person. Tables are $400 each, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and mailed by Feb. 10 to the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, P.O. Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Details: Arzo Knox, (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com. A clear bag policy is in effect at the convention center.
Saturday, Feb. 15
ARTSpace hosts Couples Yoga
Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with Couples Yoga from 5-6:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at The ARTSpace on Main, 623. S. Main St. Certified yoga instructor FloEssence leads the class. The cost is $5 minimum per person, $15 recommended. Registration is required. Participants must be 21 or older. Register at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-in-the-loft-feb-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
WH host chili, gumbo cookoff
The Battle of the Bowls Chili & Gumbo Cookoff will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, in White Hall. Awards will be presented for the #1 Best Chili and #1 Best Gumbo. Tickets are $50. For a team of six and a booth it’s $500, according to a flier. All proceeds benefit the Jefferson Regional Foundation. To purchase a ticket or enter a team, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.
Sigma Gamma Rho to meet
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. will meet at 11 a.m. Feb. 15 for active members. The location will be announced via emil. Details: Angelee Word, basileus, at angelee.word@hotmail.com.
Through Saturday, Feb. 15
ARCF grant cycle open
Arkansas Community Foundation’s Giving Tree Grant cycle is now open for non-profits to apply for grants, according to a news release. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15. All applications must be submitted through the online portal at https://www.arcf.org/apply-for-giving-tree-grants/
Wednesday, Feb. 19
UAPB Alumni scholarship available
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Alumni Endowment Scholarship applications are available for Fall 2025-Spring 2026. The deadline to apply is Feb. 19. Applicants must be full-time and first-time degree seeking students with a 2.3 or better grade point average and 30 or more hours by the end of this semester, according to a news release. Details: UAPB.EDU/ALUMNI.
Saturday, Feb. 22
ARTx3 sets Sculpting with Angi Cooper
Join the ARTx3 Campus for its free mixed-media workshop Sculpting with Angi Cooper from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 22, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Participants will learn how to create nature-inspired sculptures from materials such as cardboard. There is no cost to participate and all supplies are provided. Cooper is the ARTx3 Campus’ teaching artist-in-residence for February. Her residency and this workshop are made possible by the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts in Education program. Registration is requested. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/sculpting-with-angi-cooper or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Irby sets Black History program
The Arkansas Heritage Celebration of Black History Month Legend Among Us recognition will be held at the City Center in Little Rock on Feb. 22. Exhibits will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a banquet and presentations at noon. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, which is presented by author and Jefferson County native Jason Irby and the Jason Irby Innovation Foundation, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Tickets are $50 per person. To RSVP or for details, send an email to jasonirbyinnovationfoundation@gmail.com.
Through Wednesday, Feb. 26
Sorority accepts scholarship applications
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. will offer a college scholarship to one graduating high school student at Friendship Aspire Academy, Pine Bluff High School, and Watson Chapel High School. Applications are available at the school’s counselor’s office. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 26. Recipients will be announced April 12. Details: Mary Harvey-Evans at alphachisigma1945@gmail.com.
Friday, Feb. 28
Bingo Night: Fun, Prizes, and Good Times! — Feb. 28
The ARTx3 Campus will host Bingo Night: Fun, Prizes, and Good Times! from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 28, at The ARTSpace on Main.”Join the campus for an exciting evening of classic bingo fun. Participants will grab their cards, mark numbers, and compete for fantastic prizes. Bingo Night promises laughter, friendly competition, and a great time for seasoned players and first-timers,” according to the news release. Entry plus a bingo card is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Additional bingo cards will be available for purchase. Register at artx3.org/all-events/bingo-night-feb-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Public Programs Coordinator Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 395-7059.
Through Saturday, March 1
USDA/1890 scholars applications open
The application deadline for the U.S. Department of Agriculture/1890 National Scholars Program is March 1, said Obadiah Njue, interim dean for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences. The program awards scholarships to students attending one of 19 historically black land-grant universities. High school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Scholars receive full tuition towards a bachelor’s degree, books and the cost of room and board, Njue said. During the summer months, the students will receive an internship with a USDA agency. After graduation, scholars are employed by their selected agency. Learn more and apply online at USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. Details: partnerships@usda.gov.
ARTX3 hosts ‘Matters of Abstraction’ display
The ARTx3 Campus invites the community to view its new Permanent Collections exhibition “Matters of Abstraction,” featuring decades of distinct two-dimensional and three-dimensional abstract art styles. Visitors will be welcomed to a breadth of abstract works that include subjects and non-representational art. Discover various mark-making techniques that create textures on the canvas, careful color choices that provide subtle gradation, focus and repeating patterns and the use of a variety of lighting situations, according to a news release.
Beginning Thursday, March 6
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: March 6: Southeast Arkansas Education Cooperative, Monticello. April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.
Through Thursday, March 27
Heritage grants available
Community-based non-profit groups interested in supporting the mission of Arkansas Heritage are encouraged to apply for Arkansas Heritage Grants. The spring deadline for submitting a proposal is March 27. For additional information and access to the online applications, visit ArkansasHeritage.com. The grants are designed to help groups promote awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas’ heritage; increase community-based non-profit groups’ ability to create heritage-related programs, especially in places where they would otherwise not occur; foster cooperative efforts among organizations, businesses and government to increase the size and scope of events; and create ongoing components to existing heritage-related celebrations, according to a news release. Details: Debra Fithen, grants manager for Arkansas Heritage, at debra.fithen@arkansas.gov.
Through Monday, March 31
LIHEAP applications available
Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30. An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local community-based organizations.