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.
Underway
Alumni luncheon tickets available
The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association will host the Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets to the luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release. Tickets are $85 and can only be purchased the following ways: 1 — Mail a check or money order payable to UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association to 1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4813, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. (Call the office before mailing your check to ensure that seats are still available.) 2 — Purchase online at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/alumni-luncheon–2025. 3 — Call the alumni office at (870) 536-2309 to pay by card over the phone. The clear bag policy is still in effect at the convention center. For details, follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Through Thursday, July 31
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Registry seeks state women artists
The Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (ACNMWA) is accepting applications for its biennial Juried Artist Registry of Arkansas women artists. The application is available on the ACNMWA website at www.acnmwa.org/programs/juried-artist-registry. The deadline to apply is July 31 and there is a $20 entry fee. The application is open to all artists who are residents of Arkansas at the time of application. The registry will be featured on the ACNWMA website from October 2025 to October 2027, according to a news release.
Friday, Aug. 1
Live@5 features Groove City
Groove City will perform as part of the monthly Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 1 in the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St., part of the ARTx3 Campus. “Groove City is a dynamic three-piece band made up of longtime friends who share a deep love for music and an undeniable chemistry onstage,” according to a news release. “Blending smooth R&B grooves with soulful jazz influences, Groove City brings a rich, timeless sound that keeps audiences swaying, dancing and feeling every note.” 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. For details, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org, call (870) 536-3375 or visitartx3.org/all-events/live-5-august-2025.
Education board to meet
The state Board of Education meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Aug. 1 in the auditorium of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education at Little Rock. The board will continue to receive written public comment via email and postal mail. To ensure state board members have sufficient time to review the comments, public comments should be received by July 31, according to a news release. Comments can be emailed to ade.commissioner@ade.arkansas.gov or mailed to the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Four Capitol Mall, Room 304-A, Little Rock, AR 72201. The agenda for the is available at https://dese.link/agendas. The meeting will be available via live stream at https://bit.ly/3NOwUTH.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Prayer Rally set Saturday
House of Bread Deliverance Church’s pastor/apostle, Saint Mary Harris, will host the 14th annual Prayer Rally at 6 a.m. Saturday on the lawn of the Pine Bluff Civic Center. The event will be held on the steps near the flag pole. “As students prepare for back to school, prayer continues to be the response and supreme focus to transform the culture and community back to God,” Harris said in a news release. Clergy participants will include Gail Stith, John Nicholson, Jesse Turner, Shirley Sanders, Dale McCollum, Robbie Henry, Beverly Murray, and other community leaders. Recording gospel artist Cachet will be on hand for praise and worship. “Everyone is welcome. Come and help us pray during this 14th Annual Prayer Rally for our city, state, and nation. We are better together.,” Harris said. Details: Saint Mary Harris, House of Bread pastor/apostle, at (870) 872-2196 or www.houseofbreaddeliverance.com.
Yoga in the Loft set
The ARTx3 Campus will host Yoga in the Loft from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. Florence “FloEssence” Love will guide participants in gentle stretches, mindful breathing and soothing meditation techniques to cultivate balance, flexibility and mental clarity. This session is geared toward educators and is designed to help them recharge, refocus and reset before the school year begins. This workshop qualifies for professional development credit. Access the Arkansas Education Services Cooperative website via http://bit.ly/40lYptq to register for credit. The session number will be emailed upon registration for the workshop and the professional development credit. This event is for ages 13 and older and is suitable for all levels. Yoga in the Loft is part of the ARTx3 Campus’ flex pay program with a minimum cost of $5; $15 is recommended. Register at artx3.org/all-events/yoga-in-the-loft-aug-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 2
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: Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Altheimer church honors mayor
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer will host an Appreciation Day honoring Altheimer Mayor Zola Hudson at 2 p.m. Aug. 3. The Rev. R.P. Bifford is the pastor. The community is invited to attend.
Mt. Nebo honors its pastor
Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 W. Second Ave., will honor the Rev. Larry C. Battles on his 44th Pastor’s Anniversary, on Aug. 3. At 11 a.m., the guest preacher will be the Rev. R.P. Bifford, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church of Altheimer. At 3 p.m., the Rev. Clarence Holman, pastor of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, will be the featured speaker, accompanied by his congregation.
Moscow church observes 138th anniversary
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow will celebrate its 138th Anniversary at 2 p.m. Aug. 3. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. The Rev. Stanley R. Blair Sr. is pastor of New Hope church.
Beginning Sunday, Aug. 3
Auditions set for ‘Razzle Dazzle’
“Razzle Dazzle,” ARTx3 Campus’ high-energy singing and dancing production returns this fall, and is looking for performers ages 18 and older to join the cast, according to the news release. Auditions are 1-6 p.m. Aug. 3 and 6-9 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Arts & Science Center, 701 S. Main St. The “Razzle Dazzle” creative team is seeking adults with singing and dancing experience. Relevant experience includes vocal or dance classes, choir, cheerleading, competitive dance or other experiences in which one has practiced and performed. This fast-paced show is a fundraiser to support ARTx3’s theater and educational programming. Register to audition at artx3.org/all-events/razzle-dazzle-auditions. Performances are at 7 p.m. Oct. 24-25 and 3 p.m. Oct. 26. “Razzle Dazzle: A Night of Movies” is directed by Lindsey Collins, with co-director Joel Anderson, music director Faron Wilson and choreographer Heather Bankhead. The show is sponsored by Simmons Bank.
Monday, Aug. 4
Day of Caring cleanup to be discussed
Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful, the United Way of Southeast Arkansas, and the city of Pine Bluff will hold a planning meeting at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Det. Kevin D. Collins Center in the civic center complex. The purpose is to discuss the United Way Day of Caring in which they work with volunteers to complete a service project. A cleanup event will be held in the Third Ward on the United Way Day of Caring, Sept. 25, according to a news release from Third Ward City Council Member William Fells III. This Day of Caring will focus on cleaning up the neighborhood surrounding Edgewood Elementary School. It will involve clearing illegal dumping sites and cutting overgrown lots. During the planning meeting, officials will share further details on the project such as individual sites, specific action items, and overall logistics.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Chamber announces luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch will be catered by Simmons Cafe. The cost is $15 and must be paid in advance. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Aug. 8
Arts center slates Jewelry-Making
The ARTx3 Campus will host Twist & Sparkle: bracelet-making class from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the ARTSpace on Main. Learn basic bracelet-making techniques in this workshop led by jewelry artist Mary Pat Tate. “Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a creative outlet, this class is the perfect way to relax, have fun and leave with something that truly shines,” according to the release. The session is for ages 16 and older. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. All materials are provided. Register at artx3.org/all-events/twist-sparkle-rings or call (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 8
Dollarway ’75 Class sets reunion
The Dollarway High School Class of 1975 is planning its 50th class reunion and all members are encouraged to participate. Aug. 8 — the meet ‘n’ greet will be held from 5-10 p.m. at the John W. Fallis Waterfront Facility in Pine Bluff Regional Park. T-shirts will be distributed during the meet ‘n’ greet and members are urged to place T-shirt orders now. The meet ‘n’ greet is for adults only, according to a news release.
Aug. 9 — The class picnic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the waterfront facility in Regional Park. The grill master will be Dollarway’s own William “Bill” Sprinkle. Ages 5 and younger can attend free.
Aug. 9 — DHS Class of 1975 Prom/Banquet will be held from 6 p.m. to midnight at the waterfront facility, for adults only. The dress code is semi-formal and colors are red, white and black.
Aug. 10 — The church fellowship will be 10 a.m. at Family Church, 2309 S. Poplar St., where Elder Roosevelt Brown is the pastor. Joyce C. Williams Brown is the reunion facilitator. Details: (870) 692-2543.
UAPB plans new student orientation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will kick off new student orientation (NSO) sessions Friday to welcome the fall 2025 class. The sessions include lunch and optional tours. All activities will take place in Henderson-Young Hall, according to a news release. The NSO sessions will include Aug. 8, and Aug. 20 (during Welcome Week). Each NSO date will include a Meet the Campus Team and Meet Your Academic Advisor session, covering what to expect, new student basics, and class schedules, as well as a Q&A session with campus administrators. Basic Academic Services will advise students with fewer than 30 college credit hours. Students with 30 or more credit hours will be advised by their academic department/major advisor. NSO is mandatory for all new and transfer students. Students must be fully admitted to register for the orientation. To register, visit UAPB.edu or call the admission office, (870) 575-8492. For details, email rigginsc@uapb.edu or call (870) 575-8732.
Saturday, Aug. 9
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to people in need Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. 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. To help support the feeding ministry, people may send a financial donation to St. John AME Church-Feeding Ministry, 1117 W. Pullen St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601, or electronically through Givelify St John AME Pine Bluff. To volunteer, contact Pearl Matlock by email at pearl1948@sbcglobal.net to volunteer.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
United Way sets fundraiser
United Way of Southeast Arkansas will host a Duck Race fundraiser Aug. 12 from 9-11 a.m. at Crenshaw Springs Water Park in White Hall or by virtual stream. Participants will receive the URL after registering. Quack packs are $25 for six and $5 for single ducks, according to a news release. All proceeds will go toward a special fund managed by United Way to help cover medication co-pays for the elderly and underinsured. Details: United Way Southeast Arkansas, info@pbreynoldscenter.org or (870) 534-2153.
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will restart its monthly food giveaway at 10 a.m. Aug. 12. Distribution will be on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a news release. Food will be handed out in a drive-through manner. Each household is limited to one food box. Identification is required as proof of address. Participants must be present to receive the box. TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is a non-profit organization. Details: Annette Dove, executive director, at (870) 850-6011.
Through Friday, Aug. 15
Community foundation offers grants
Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County can apply for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation (PBACF), an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation. Applications must be submitted between now and Aug. 15 at arcf.org/givingtree. Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, government agency or hospital in Jefferson County is eligible to apply. Grants are not made to individuals or small businesses, according to a news release.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Old Saint James sets health fair
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will conduct its second health fair and hygiene product drive for local schools from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Admission is free and the event is open to the general public, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. Participants are encouraged to donate menstrual supply and hygiene products, which will be given to schools. Also, the health fair will include free blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and prostate screenings. Experts representing social services and healthcare will be on hand to assist withinsurance needs and answer questions. Law enforcement, fire safety and ambulance demonstrations will be featured on site as well. The OSJ pastor is the Rev. David M. Smith.
Friday, Aug. 22
Suicide prevention event set for churches
The D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP) will host Soul Shop for Black Churches from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. Participants will learn how to talk about suicide from a faith perspective. Admission is free. Workshop materials and lunch will be provided. “Soul Shop for Black Churches is specifically designed for pastors, church staff, faith-based clinicians and other lay leaders in Black and African American churches,” according to StuffinTheBluff.com. Register for this workshop at Eventbrite.com. For details, email Kymara Seals, DSOP founder and chair of the board, at DSOutReachProject@gmail.com.
Friday, Aug. 29
Alumni offer scholarships
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter is offering scholarships. The deadline to apply is Aug. 29. The chapter will hold its 2025 scholarship gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Proceeds will go to the scholarship fund, according to a news release. The scholarships are available only to students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50. Eight scholarships of $1,000 per award will be presented. Submit your application to walkert@uapb.edu or deliver in person to: Dr. Tanya S. Walker, Scholarship Chairperson, UAPB – Corbin Hall Office 100. Details: Tanya Walker, (870) 575-8718; Chapter President Mary Liddell, (870) 643-2383.
Friday, Sept. 12
UAPB alumni plan scholarship gala
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County UAPB/AM&N Alumni Chapter’s 2025 Scholarship Gala will be held Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The center has a clear bag policy, according to the news release. The theme of the gala is Journey of Knowledge: Empowering Minds, Igniting Futures. This event will recognize some outstanding community partners while the proceeds will reward some deserving University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff students (including 2025 graduates of Jefferson County high schools), according to a news release. Tickets are $40 per person or $400 per table. Tickets may be purchased from 3-5 p.m. July 2 in the Golden Lion Stadium breezeway or during the chapter meeting from 5:30-6:30 p.m. July 8 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. Contact the following for tickets, to submit print ready ads for the souvenir booklet, payments and donations: Shannon Hendrix (870) 718-3472 or (870) 692-3099. Checks are payable to PBJC UAPB AM&N Alumni Chapter, P.O. Box 9288, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. All monies for tickets and ads are due by Aug. 15.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 9
UAPB 1975 Class sets 50th reunion
The AM&N/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Class of 1975 will host its 50th class reunion during UAPB’s Homecoming 2025. Reunion activities will include an invitation to the donor’s banquet on Oct. 9; recognition during the annual homecoming alumni assembly; banquet/gala on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in the STEM Building at UAPB; the annual homecoming parade and the football game. To sustain the class scholarship fund, each class member is asked to donate $1,000 to the Class of 1975 Scholarship Endowment Fund, according to a news release. The reunion registration form and donor form can be accessed via the AM&N/UAPB Class of 1975 Facebook page under “files” or members can email uapbclassof1975@swbell.net for additional information.
Through Saturday, Nov. 15
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting the 24-piece exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf at the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Strange Awakening,” his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023. “Strange Awakening” will be on view through Nov. 15 by appointment. The exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation, according to a news release.