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, May 1
National Prayer event set
The National Day of Prayer Arkansas Service will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at House of Bread Deliverance Church (The Pine Bluff Prayer Center) at 1501 W. Second Ave. It is a city-wide and country-wide prayer and worship celebration for the entire community. Various pastors and ministries will be present to focus on prayer areas and guest musicians and singers will also be present. “The public is invited to come out and help us pray for our city, state, and nation,” according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, House of Bread Deliverance Church senior pastor, (870) 872-2192.
Chamber plans Business Expo 2025
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2025: America At Work, an event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. Business Expo will be held May 1 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The breakfast speaker will be Bobby Gosser, president and chief executive officer of Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. May 1 followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members; $30 for non-members. A seated table for eight is $300 for members; $350 for non-members, according to a news release. The trade show featuring various booths will open for the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and then open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees are $250 for members and $360 for non-members. For non-profit organizations, there are limited free spots in the Community Spotlight section. For Expo questions, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110 or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pinebluffchamber.
JRMC sets screenings at Expo
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will offer services and screenings during the Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo. Business Expo exhibits will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. JRMC services will include cancer screening, stroke awareness, weight and body mass index, tobacco cessation information and checks for blood pressure and glucose, according to a flier.
Through Thursday, May 1
Pleasant Grove conducts revival
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1801 Indiana St., invites the community to its annual Spring Three Day Revival at 6 p.m. April 30 through May 1. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Don Hawkins, pastor of Barnett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Dennis W. Wilson is the pastor of Pleasant Grove. Details: Stephanie Gulley at sistergulley.pleasantgrove1801@gmail.com.
Superintendents’ scholarships open
The 2025 Anthony, Gathen, Rainey and Tolbert Scholarships are available. The deadline for applying is May 1. These scholarships were created by retired former school district superintendents, Frank Anthony – Pine Bluff, Thomas Gathen – Dollarway, David Rainey — Dumas, and Andrew Tolbert — Warren. The $1,000 scholarships to be given at each school district were developed to assist students from low-income families in going to college, according to a news release. To be eligible, the student must be a graduating senior from the school district’s Class of 2025, have a minimum grade point average of 2.50, and provide a letter detailing what makes them deserve this honor and their career education choice. Applications are available at the school counselors’ offices of each district.
Friday, May 2
Live@5 features Eubanks on sax
Michael Eubanks performs a saxophone concert during May’s Live@5 concert, from 5-7 p.m. May 2 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Eubanks performs smooth sax and soulful, sultry vocals,” according to a news release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members, and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank. Details: Lindsey Collins, assistant director, at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
‘Built For This’ worship set
Aaron and Kae Spencer of 424 Ministries will host “Built For This” (Luke 24:49) praise and worship at 7:30 p.m. May 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. Due to construction on Main Street, the entrance and parking will be in the rear of the building on State Street. The worship leader will be Alicia Rose. “We are creating an atmosphere for worship for those who desire it,” Kae Spencer said on StuffinTheBluff.com. “If you’ve been longing for something different pertaining to worship, this is the atmosphere for you.” Details: (501) 503-1777 or admin@424ministries.org.
Beginning Friday, May 2
PBHS 1975 Class sets reunion
The Pine Bluff High School Class of 1975 is celebrating its 50th year reunion. Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, there will be a meet and greet at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. On Saturday at the Pine Bluff Country Club, the dinner will be held from 6-7 p.m. followed by the dance, according to a news release. For details, contact N.J. Smith or Jim Simpson on Facebook Messenger.
Saturday, May 3
New Community to open pantry
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will open its food pantry from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday. The community is invited to participate.
American Legion sets fundraiser
The White Hall American Legion Post, at the corner of Huckleberry and Nancy streets in White Hall, will hold a fundraiser beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday. The rummage sale supports activities of the White Hall American Legion Post 232, according to a news release. Available items include children’s STEM toys, other toys, baby items, household products, furniture, a sewing machine, speakers, motorcycle jacket and vintage items.
Fair Housing Food Truck event set
The Jefferson County Association of Realtors will host a Fair Housing Food Truck Festival Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6107 Dollarway Road, the corner of Dollarway Road and Bryant Street. Attendance is free, however food can be purchased at the food trucks, according to a news release. There will also be a dunking booth with businessman Will Jenkins, Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. and pastor Matt Mosler. People may see vendors about buying a home, lenders and credit repair, home weatherization, utility company services, Home Again Home Ownership Program, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Small Farm Outreach (at home gardening), replacement window assistance, Jefferson County Courthouse departments, American Red Cross and other services.
Disaster case training set
Arkansas United Methodist, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, will host a disaster case management training from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3 at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St. Participants will learn how to help victims of disasters get connected with resources, work with local disaster committees, navigate through insurance and FEMA appeals, and connect with experts who have disaster case management experience, according to a news release. Training is $10 per person. Interested participants should contact Lauren Morris at lmorris@arcf.org or at (501) 372-1116. Details: arcf.org.
Harvesting Hope begins May 3
Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (ACAAA) will launch Harvesting Hope, a new community-driven initiative focused on addressing food and nutrition insecurity across Arkansas. The Pine Bluff launch event will be held from 10 a.m. t0 3 p.m. May 3 at Saracen Landing and the community is invited to attend. “This event will bring together families, volunteers, and community partners to promote food and nutrition access, health equity, and local solutions,” according to a news release. To attend or reserve a vendor table, visit https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/harvesting-hope-pine-bluff-launch.
Russ foundation sets Mayfest
The Carnell Russ Foundation’s annual Mayfest celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 3 at the Carnell Russ Vision Center in Star City. The community is invited to attend. The foundation will honor its 2025 high school book scholarship recipients and host a financial management workshop by Orville Abrams, a certified public accountant, according to a news release.
Sunday, May 4
Moscow church hosts concert
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow will hold its spring concert (in memory of JoAnne Jones) at 6 p.m. May 4. Practice dates are April 29, 6 p.m.; May 1, 6 p.m.; and May 3, noon. “Come lend your voice in support,” a sp0kesman said. The Rev. Stanley Blair Sr. is pastor of New Hope church.
Dumas church honors leaders
Bethlehem Worship Center Church in Dumas invites the community to its 30th Pastor’s and Wife’s Anniversary Service in honor of Superintendent Timothy Jones and District Missionary Linda Jones. Service will be held at 3 p.m. May 4. The Rev. Willie Gordon of Revival Time Christian Church in Pine Bluff will present the message. “Join us as we celebrate their unwavering service to the church and wider community. All are welcome to attend,” according to a news release.
Star City church hosts free concert
Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Star City will host a free concert featuring the spring tour 2025 of Joseph Habedank. The concert will be held at 6 p.m. May 4. Although admission is free, a love offering will be accepted, according to a news release. Details: JosephHabedank.com .
Pine Bluff AI Summit set
ReMix IDEAS and the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce will host an AI Summit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can help grow your business,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. “The Pine Bluff AI Summit is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to enhance marketing strategies, streamline operations, and unlock new levels of efficiency and scalability.” Speakers include: David Hailey – CEO amd founder, Countifi Inc.; Don Ward – CEO amd founder, Laundris Corp.; Chris Thompson – CEO, Sober Sidekick; Jakob Michaelis – founder, Auxigen; Karen Kilroy – founder, NYX NoCode; Oginga Carr – CEO, Epiphany Consulting; and Audrey Willis – chief innovation and program officer, CodeCrew. For details or to reserve a seat, visit pbtechsummit.com.
Beginning Saturday, May 3
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: 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.
Beginning Monday, May 5
Local in Small Works display
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open on May 5 at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain in Mena. Work by area artists include Alexia Lams of Pine Bluff, according to a news release. Small Works on Paper is a juried visual art exhibition that showcases artwork no larger than 18- by-24 inches. Now in its 38th year, the exhibition showcases artwork by Arkansas artists. The artwork will be on view in the Carver Grand Hall of the Ouachita Center from May 5 through May 28. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A reception will be held at 10 a.m. May 8. Details: www.ArkansasArts.org.
Tuesday, May 6
DAV plans virtual job fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the Military Spouse Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 35 employers will be on-site. Also, veterans can utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free, according to a news release. To register for the Military Spouse Virtual Veterans Career Fair and access additional free resources for veterans and their families, go to jobs.dav.org.
Wednesday, May 7
Chamber slates luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 at the UAPB Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be District 64 state Rep. Kenneth Ferguson of Pine Bluff. Lunch is $15 and will be catered by Grider Field Restaurant. Lunch must be paid for in advance. RSVP to the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Commercial sets Church News Deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. 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 and announcements for church news are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Friday, May 9
UAM plans commencement
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold its spring commencement exercises on May 9 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Steelman Field House. The doors will open at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony and open at 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. ceremony. Guests are encouraged to be seated by 9:50 a.m. and 1:50 p.m., according to a news release. The 10 a.m. ceremony will include the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Business, the School of Computer Information Systems and the School of Education. The 2 p.m. ceremony will include the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources, the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, the School of Nursing, the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Division of General Studies. Speakers include UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss and Michael Moore, vice president for Academic Affairs for the University of Arkansas System. A clear bag policy is in place for all guests. Commencement will be livestreamed on YouTube, accessible from the university’s homepage. Details: www.uamont.edu or the Office of Academic Affairs at (870) 460-1033.
Saturday, May 10
UAPB graduation features Smokie Norful
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will present Smokie Norful, renowned pastor, Grammy Award-winning recording artist, educator, and UAPB alumnus, as speaker for its 171st commencement. The graduation will be held at 10 a.m. May 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The procession will begin at 9:45 a.m. For the safety and security of all attendees, UAPB will enforce a clear bag policy at the commencement. Details: uapbcommencement.com or contact Registrar Aretha Lacefield at registrar@uapb.edu. The full ceremony will be livestreamed at youtube.com/@UAPBTV.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those in need May 10 from 9 a.m. until all food has been handed out. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
Fingerprint Glass Magnet event set
The ARTx3 Campus hosts Second Saturday Family FunDay: Fingerprint Glass Magnets from 1-3 p.m. May 10, at the Arts & Science Center, for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. “Perfect for Mother’s Day or another special occasion, fingerprint glass magnets are fun, one-of-a-kind gifts. Create designs using fingerprints with ink on clear glass gems,” according to the news release. This event is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. Details: Lindsey Collins, assistant director, at lcollins@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
ASC sets Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class
Ages 3-6 are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. May 10, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free to attend. “Melanie 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 release. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care. Participants should register by May 6 at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-may-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
Thursday, May 15
Westerman offices open
Fourth District U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., announced casework-specific office hours will be held in May to assist people with addressing Veterans’ Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and passports, according to a news release. For casework specifically related to Veterans’ Affairs, the following dates and locations are available: In Pine Bluff, the event will be held at 211 W. Third Ave. Suite 245, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 15.
Through Thursday, May 15
Vote for UAPB’s M4 band
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South (M4) needs the community to vote for it to perform at the 2025 HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 31. The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association urges the community to vote for the band daily at https://surveymars.com/q/3LE295k0n . Voting ends May 15. M4 needs everyone’s support to make it happen, according to a news release. “Help M4 secure their spot. Cast your vote and represent for the Golden Lions with pride,” according to the release.
Friday, May 16
Oasis to host Memorial event
The Oasis of Pine Bluff Assisted Living Facility, 7001 S. Hazel St., invites the community to join them in an open house and Memorial Day Celebration honoring their veterans. The celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. May 16. The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Auxiliary will be presenting quilts to the nine veterans at The Oasis as part of the open house. There will also be food, music and fellowship. “Let’s come together to honor those who served and sacrificed,” according to a news release. Details: (870) 395-7117.
Saturday, May 17
Yoga in the Loft set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Yoga in the Loft: Meditation May from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 17, at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Florence Love “FloEssence” will guide participants in gentle stretches, mindful breathing, and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. This event is for ages 13 and older, and is suitable for all levels. It is part of the ARTx3 Campus’ flex pay program with a minimum cost of $5; $15 is recommended. Register by May 13 at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-may-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the facility.
Saturday, May 31
St. John hosts health fair, salad fest
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., has rescheduled the annual Women’s Day Health Fair and Salad Fest for 10 a.m. May 31. (The event had been postponed from May 3.) The health fair “Live Talk” will provide spiritual encouragement, tips on maintenance of heart health, insurance, healthy eating and cooking. Speakers include Dr. Martha A. Flowers and the Rev. Louise Tyler-Tisdale, according to a news release. There will be a buffet style salad bar, door prizes, games and other activities. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased through Charneise Turner Mills at (870) 267-5696. All previous ticket purchases will be honored.
Friday, June 6
Gun Violence Awareness set
The community is invited to the Second Annual Go Orange Day focusing on Gun Violence Awareness. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court – 6th Division – in conjunction with Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention (GVI) are presenting the program, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Highlights include workshops, a rally with speakers, family activities and free food. Free parking will be provided. Please note that a clear bag policy will be enforced. Vendors and participants are encouraged to wear orange. Free vendor opportunities are available for small businesses and organizations. Vendor forms are available at https://files.constantcontact.com/585454b8001/0cdf682f-fff8-482e-b763-ceb07eb4adaa.pdf?rdr=true. Completed vendor forms may be returned to Rev. Eric Walden Jr. by email at ewalden@jeffersoncircuitcourt6.org. They may also be mailed or hand delivered to 301 E. Second Ave., Pine Bluff, AR (71601) by May 16. Details: Eric Walden at (870) 541-5455 or (870) 718-5123.
Thursday, June 26
Boys & Girls Club sets Heroes Banquet
Table sponsorships for the fifth annual Heroes Banquet are now being sold. The event benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 26 at First Methodist Church, 200 W. Sixth Ave. The banquet honors those who have positively impacted the community. A $600 table sponsorship will provide a reserved table for eight guests, recognition in the event program and slideshow and social media acknowledgement on the BGCJC’s platforms. An online payment may be made by requesting an invoice for submission. Checks to be mailed may be made payable to the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson County and sent to P.O. Box 6027, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. In-person payment is available at the office at 200 W. Sixth Ave. Confirmation of sponsorship by May 15 is requested. For information on sponsorship, contact BGCJC at info@boysgirlsclubjc.org.
Friday, July 11
Branson trip set to see ‘David’
Women of Faith will charter a bus to Branson, Mo., July 11 to see the live performance of “David” on the Sight & Sound Theatre stage. Men, women, couples and children (accompanied by an adult) are encouraged to attend. This is a turnaround trip with transportation and reserved seating included in the cost of the ticket, according to a news release. For details or ticket information contact Jessie Clemmons at (870) 692-2194.