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.
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 StuffinTheBluff.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 first place: an iPad, second place: a laptop, or third 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
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
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 StuffinTheBluff.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
House of Bread to open pantry
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hold its monthly food giveaway on Saturday from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone. Clients’ proof of address must be at least a driver’s license, identification, or utility bills. All new clients will fill out a new client intake form on-site, according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, House of Bread pastor, (870) 872-2196.
Black Caucus awards include judge
The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus will recognize nine recipients for their outstanding contributions to their communities. They will be honored during the annual King Kennedy Awards Feb. 15 at the Venue at Westwind in North Little Rock beginning with a pre-awards reception at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. The Dr. Jerry Jewell Government Leadership Award will be presented to Arkansas Court of Appeals Judge Waymond Brown of Pine Bluff. He is the longest serving African American appellate judge in the state, now serving his third term, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. This award is given to an individual or organization who has provided leadership in the political and legislative arena for people of color and people of poverty, according to the news release. Tickets to the ceremony are $125 each. Details: ARKdemocraticblackcaucus.org.
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/
Sunday, Feb. 16
Black History praise event honors artists
A Black History Evening of Praise and Salute to Honor Gospel Artists will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 900 S. Grant St. Tributes will be presented by Rebirth, Voices of Inspiration, Sisters of Praise, Set Apart, The Shaw Boyz, Spiritual Wings of Joy, The Gatewood Brothers and Mario & Clifton Boyz. Honorees include Mary Burrell, Vester Grandy, Pete Canagan, Perry Shepherd, Bobby Shaw, Ray Spears, The Shaw Boyz, Keenon Coleman, Kendrick Williams Jr., Ben Redix and the Forte-Floyd Family. The program is also being presented in memory of the late Kevin Shaw, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The community is invited to attend. The Rev. Anthony Craig is the pastor at Mt. Carmel.
Union Hopewell honors pastor, wife
Union Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 1121 Persimmon St., will celebrate the 11th pastoral anniversary honoring the Rev. Antonio Gayden Sr. and wife, Loretta Gayden, at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 16. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Clifton A. Conley of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Little Rock. The theme is “Continuing to Serve Faithfully” Matt. 25:23.
Monday, Feb. 17
Agencies to close Presidents Day
Several agencies will be closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day. City Hall — Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices will be closed Monday. Courthouse — The Jefferson County Courthouse will be closed Monday. Area Agency — The main office of Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas will be open Monday. The senior centers will be closed and Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will be running for dialysis and cancer patients’ appointments. State offices –The state of Arkansas will observe George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day as an official state holiday on Monday. Due to the Legislature being in session, all state offices, boards, and commissions in Pulaski County must remain open with at least partial staff, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
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.
Through 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.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Archwell Health sets grand opening
Archwell Health, 2801 S. Olive St., primary care for people 60 and older, will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20. The agency’s care team offers social, nutritional and health services at each center. The grand opening will include refreshments, entertainment, tours of the center and drawings for prizes, according to a flier. To RSVP, call (501) 484-9552. Details: ArchWellHealth.com/get-started/
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at Family Church, 2500 Highway 104, in White Hall. The speaker will be Linda Lee Lane of Dallas, Texas, who will discuss “One Crazy Lady-One Great God.” The luncheon costs $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and you will be charged for reservations you don’t keep.
Opera singer Kristin Lewis to perform
The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation will host its Distinguished Laureate Lecture Series XIV featuring internationally renowned opera star Kristin Lewis at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Clinton Presidential Center’s Great Hall in Little Rock. The program will be followed by a reception at Café 42. This event is free, but registration is required at https://www.clintonfoundation.org/events.
Friday, Feb. 21
UAPB sets business teachers’ event
The Arkansas College Teachers of Economics and Business (ACTEB) will host its annual conference Feb. 21. This day-long event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Business owners, aspiring business owners, employers of students and alumni are encouraged to attend, according to a news release. A meet and greet will be held the evening before for those traveling from Fayetteville and other parts of the state who would like to spend the night, according to ACTEB president Stephanie Cox, an assistant professor of accounting at UAPB. The 2025 ACTEB Conference will feature speakers, panelists, breakout sessions, a campus tour and networking opportunities. The registration fee is $50 for general participants. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Registration is free for students. The student rate with lunch included is $20. Details: coxs@uapb.edu or (870) 575-8480.
Free grant writing event set in Fordyce
The Arkansas Arts Council will host Grant Writing 101, a free Lunch & Learn event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Fordyce Civic Center, Melvin Collin Annex, in Fordyce. Led by Shunqetta Cunningham of KHARIS Group Consulting, this hands-on workshop will guide participants through the essentials of crafting a winning grant application, according to a news release. Lunch is provided free. Seats are limited. Register now to save a spot. Details: chloe.cunningham@arkansas.gov.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Turkey federation sets Star City banquet
The Cane Creek Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation-Star City will host its 30th annual Banquet and Auction Feb. 22 at the Star City Civic Center. The doors open at 6 p.m. to view merchandise and games. Dinner is at 7 p.m. and will be catered by Woods Place with catfish chicken, barbecue and fried pies, according to a news release. The live auction will follow dinner with the silent auction ongoing through dinner. Tickets are on sale at Ratterree’s Pawn & Surplus, (870) 628-4767, at the corner of Highway 425 and Highway 11 S in Star City. Sponsor memberships are $275, couples are $75, single tickets are $55 and for children (16 and under) tickets are $20. Attendees must have purchased tickets.
Trinity Episcopal sets AI workshop
Trinity Episcopal Church, 703 W. Third Ave., will present a free workshop on “AI Made Simple: A Friendly Introductions to ChatGPT” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22. “This full-day workshop, led by Arkansas AI expert Allyson Lewis, aims to make artificial intelligence accessible to Pine Bluff residents of all ages and technical abilities,” according to the newsletter from Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. Participants are encouraged to bring a smartphone as laptops cannot be supported by system download speed. There is no fee to attend, however, donations are accepted for the provided lunch. Space is limited to ensure personal attention for each participant. To reserve a spot, call the Trinity parish at (870) 534-3832 or email office@trinitychurchpb.org.
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.
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Hospice sets volunteer training in PB
Arkansas Hospice will host a volunteer training session at 10 a.m. Feb. 25 for anyone wanting to learn about the organization and its volunteer opportunities. The training will be held at the Arkansas Hospice office at 1301 Ridgway Road, Suite 2A, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers must be trained and certified, must pass a background check and driving record check and provide evidence of a current driver’s license and automobile insurance. A flu shot and tuberculosis skin test are also required. To register for the volunteer training, email Linda Bateman, volunteer coordinator, at lbateman@arkansashospice.org or call (870) 850-6195, or 800-596-6195 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
UAPB plans Career Summit
The University of Arkansas Pine Bluff’s Office of Career Services will host the Spring 2025 Career Summit on Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kenneth L. Johnson Sr. Health Physical Education and Recreation Complex. Ninety-three organizations representing business/industry, government agencies, graduate/professional, and school districts will be in attendance and the list continues to grow, according to a news release. The career fair is open to alumni and students at the UAPB. Participants should bring copies of a well-prepared resume. Professional dress is preferred but not required. Attendees shouldn’t wear jeans, sweats, or mini-skirts. For additional information, contact Shirley Hampton at the UAPB Office of Career Services, (870) 575-8461.
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.
Thursday, Feb. 27
UAPB sets African American Read-In
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Department of English, Humanities & Foreign Languages will present the 40th annual African American Read-In with Dramatic Readings at 11 a.m. Feb. 27 in the auditorium of John Brown Watson Library at UAPB. The event will feature original spoken word, poetry, and literature pieces from African American writers/dramatists. The community is invited to attend, according to a news release. For the UAPB read-in Feb. 27, register free at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mydgk38 and join the local participants and more than 1 million readers in the 40th National African American Read-In. Participants interested presenting at the UAPB event can send selections to Kevin Sanders, UAPB School of Arts & Sciences, Interim EFHL chair, by Feb. 14, at sandersk@uapb.edu or (870) 575-8617. For details, also contact Sanders or Tasha Strong at strongr@uapb.edu, (870) 575-8624.
Through Thursday, Feb. 27
Brian Kelly exhibit open at UAM
An exhibition of prints from Marais Press, a printmaking studio led by Professor and Master Printer Brian Kelly at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, can be viewed at the University of Arkansas at Monticello through Feb. 27. The exhibition is open in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM. On Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. Kelly will give a presentation on his art and life in the UAM Visual and Performing Arts Center. The exhibition and presentation are free and open to the public, according to a news release.
Beginning Saturday, March 1
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: March 1 — Jerry McCoy and the Groove Diggers; April 5 — Fonky Donkey; May 3 — The Arkadelics; June 7 — Chad Marshall Band; July 12 — Tina Cossey Band; Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
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.
Monday, March 3
UAM sets College Preview Day
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Office of Admissions will host Weevil Welcome: College Preview Day on March 3, beginning at 9 a.m. on UAM’s Monticello campus. Registration will be held in the Gibson University Center. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the program will run until noon. Prospective high school juniors and seniors who are interested in attending UAM’s Monticello campus, the UAM College of Technology-Crossett or the UAM College of Technology-McGehee are invited to attend the free event to learn about programs of study, financial aid, new scholarship opportunities, residence life, student organizations and more. Parents are also welcome to attend. Students should register for Weevil Welcome through the Admissions Events webpage. Details: the UAM Office of Admissions at admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or 870-460-1026.
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 Tuesday, March 11
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. is accepting grant applications for their 2025 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. These include IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County, according to a news release. Synergy grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services. Synergy grant applications should be requested by March 11 and completed and submitted by April 3. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Through Friday, March 14
UAMS career program seeks locals
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is accepting applications for the 2025 session of the Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy, an initiative that supports students in the Delta and South Arkansas as they pursue careers in health care. The program is open to rising high school seniors. Applicants must be enrolled at a school in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Ouachita, Phillips, Sevier, St. Francis and Union. The deadline to submit applications is March 14, according to a news release. For details, parents and students may attend one of HCOP Academy’s virtual informational sessions at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 4 and 11. To sign up for a session or to apply for the academy, visit partnerships.uams.edu.
Through Saturday, March 15
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.
Friday, March 21
ARTx3 plans Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball
The community is invited to celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and community with the Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. March 21 at the Loft Gallery in The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The ball celebrates urban sneaker culture. It features a pop-up exhibition by artist Aneesah showing mixed-media works featuring the footwear. The program is for ages 14 and older, according to the news release. Tickets are $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. Tickets and event details are available at artx3.org/all-events/sneaker-ball. Donations to the sneaker ball fund may also be made at artx3.org/donate. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
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.
Wednesday, April 2
Chamber to honor women
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the International Women’s Day Event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 2 in the Kline Family Foundation Gallery at ARTSpace on Main. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres catered by Pine Bluff Country Club, beverages provided by MK Distributors Inc., and live music. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at (870)535-0110 or emailing Jennifer Kline at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Friday, April 4
Trucking group offers scholarships
For the ninth year, the Arkansas Trucking Association plans to award scholarships of up to $7,500 to students interested in pursuing careers as medium- and heavy-duty truck technicians. Applications will be accepted through April 4 for students beginning coursework in August 2025 or January 2026. ATA plans to name the 2025 recipients in May. Details: Sarah Newman at sarahnewman@arkansastrucking.com. Find the application at https://www.arkansastrucking.com/scholarship/.