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.
Sunday, Aug. 10
St. James UMC honors pastor
St. James United Methodist Church, 900 N. University Drive, invites the community attend the second anniversary of the pastor, the Rev. Danita Waller Page, at 4 p.m. Sunday. The theme is “Gratitude, Growth, and God’s faithfulness” (Philippians 1:6). The guest preacher will be the Rev. Ramone Woodall Sr., pastor of New Nation Church International, and guest soloist will be Crissaundra (Crissy P) Olyssa Pullom. “We’re celebrating not just two incredible years of leadership, love, and vision — but the promise of even greater things to come,” according to a news release. “Expect an atmosphere of worship, joy, reflection, and an undeniable move of God.”
Star City church hosts bishop
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Bishop Henry “Hank” Wilkins IV will be the featured speaker at St. Ollie Missionary Baptist Church in Star City at 11 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Melvin Harrison is the senior pastor at St. Ollie. Wilkins extends a special invitation to the community “to worship in the power of hope, the joy of the spirit and the grace of peace,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Monday, Aug. 11
Urban renewal board to meet
The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will conduct a special called board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the URA board room, 417 W. Sixth Ave. Details: (870) 209-0323.
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Financial workshop set
The community is invited to attend the free Financial Playbook Workshop from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce and Paradigm Masters Management are sponsoring the program, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The presenters will be Jay and Julia Young of Paradigm Masters Management who work to empower middle-class families through entrepreneurship and strategic financial planning. For details or to register for the Financial Playbook Workshop, visit here.
Outreach event set for landowners
An outreach workshop for producers and landowners in Jefferson County will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 12 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. This free event and lunch will be served, according to StuffinTheBluff.com. The interactive workshop is aimed at increasing awareness of and access to U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and resources. “Gain insights into how effective estate planning and resolving heirs’ property issues are critical to protecting your land and ensuring eligibility for NRCS programs,” a spokesman said.
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.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
The 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 are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 13
Grady church hosts revival
Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Grady will host Revival Services at 7 p.m. Aug. 13-15. The guest evangelist will be the Rev. Dexter McDonnell Sr., pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Mitchellville and God’s Way Fellowship Church in Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregations. Everyone is invited to attend these services. The Rev. Freddie Heard Sr. is Pastor of Mt. Zion.
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
RV gala to benefit UAPB athletics
The Rollin Lions RV Club Inc. will host its signature fund-raising event, the 2025 Golden Gala, at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. “This event will bring together university leadership, alumni, and community partners, and athletic supporters to celebrate excellence in Golden Lion Athletics and raise critical funds to enhance student-athlete experiences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB),” according to a news release. The RV Club is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting student-athletes and championing educational opportunity. Gregory Summers is president of the AR Rollin Lions RV Club Inc. For more information or tickets, visit www.arrollinlionsrvclub.net or https://www.summersassociates.net/ or call (501) 952-0841.
First Trinity hosts health fair
First Trinity Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Catalpa St., will conduct its first Men’s Health Fair in partnership with Jefferson Regional Medical Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in the fellowship hall of the church. All men ages 18 and older are welcome to this free event, which will provide health screenings and information. Jefferson Regional urologist, Dr. Nick Scherzer, will be available to answer questions, according to a news release. Details: (870) 534-2873.
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 with insurance 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.
Sunday, Aug. 17
New Community hosts Choir Day
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will present the New Community Annual Choir Day at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 17. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Accie Reynolds, pastor of First Baptist Church of Ladd, accompanied by his congregation. Guests also include the Union Hopewell Baptist Church Choir. The theme is “Give unto the Lord glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” Ps. 29:2. The apostle/pastor of New Community is Patrick Lockett. The community is invited to attend.
First Trinity hosts Men’s Day
First Trinity Church of God in Christ, 800 S. Catalpa St., will celebrate its annual Men’s Day at 9:15 a.m. Aug. 17. The guest speaker will be Victor Johnson, the apostle of Victor’s Empowerment Center in Stuttgart. Elder Aaron Withers is pastor of First Trinity.
Barraque church hosts anniversary
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will celebrate its 140th anniversary at 11 a.m. Aug. 17. The celebration will feature a BSMBC reunion choir and guest minister Dewayne Lindsey, pastor of the Faith Temple Full Gospel Deliverance Center of Little Rock. Individuals wishing to participate in the reunion choir should call (870) 536-0582 for details.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Harvesting Hope sets event
The community is invited to attend the Drew County Harvesting Hope Town Hall from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 19 at 311 S. Pine St. in Monticello. Harvesting Hope is a statewide initiative led by Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association (ACAAA), working to combat food and nutrition insecurity across Arkansas. This town hall will offer an opportunity to hear from community leaders, engage in dialogue, and learn how to create healthier and more resilient communities, according to a news release.
Third Ward group to meet
The Third Ward Community Watch Meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at Destiny Worship Center, 4700 W. 28th Ave. The speaker will be a representative of ArchWell Health. The entire community is invited to attend, according to a news release. Evelyn Bass is the president of the group.
JRMC to hold blood drive
The Jefferson Regional Medical Center Blood Drive will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Henslee Conference Center, sections J & R. Walk-ins are welcome. Donors will get a limited edition Hometown Showdown T-shirt and trucker hat. Participants may also win a grand prize tailgate package, according to a flier. Details: Our Blood Institute, 877-340-8777 or obi.org.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
UAPB continues new student orientation
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will continue new student orientation (NSO) sessions 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. 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.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Women’s group sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection invites the community to its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The special feature will be Rusty Parker of Redfield, the music director of Family Church in White Hall, according to a news release. The speaker will be Chris Dexter, an actress of Branson, Mo., discussing ‘The Dramatic Art of Falling Forward.”
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.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 23
St. John hosts Men’s Day weekend
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will present its annual Men’s Day Worship and Praise Services weekend. On Aug. 23, from 8-10 a.m. the men of St. John will host their annual prayer breakfast. Dr. Clifford Flowers is the chairman. On Aug. 24, Men’s Day will begin at 9:45 a.m. with regular worship and praise service featuring Xavier Wynn as the speaker. Church School will follow at noon. On Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. the annual Men’s Day Worship and Praise Celebration will feature the Rev. Roderick Dwayne Belin, president and publisher of the AME Sunday School Union, as its guest speaker. The Rev. Silvester S. Beaman, bishop of the 12th District of theAME Church, will introduce the speaker, according to a news release.
Thursday, Aug. 28
VA sets virtual claims clinic
The Little Rock VA Regional Office will hold a virtual claims clinic for Arkansas veterans from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 28. To reserve a time slot, veterans should call (501) 370-3829 before 4 p.m. Aug. 27, according to a news release. Veterans may speak one-on-one to staff of the Little Rock VA Regional Office regarding their claims for VA benefits. Staff will answer questions about existing VA benefits claims and assist with filing new claims. Details: http://benefits.va.gov/benefits/ or call 800-827-1000.
Chamber plans Junior Leadership event
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber will present Junior Leadership Conference 2025 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff STEM Conference Center, 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Drive. The opening keynote speaker will be Ryan Houston, a Pine Bluff native and morning news anchor at KATV Channel 7, according to the Chamber newsletter. There will be Level Up sessions, empowering students with personal, financial, and professional skills; professional development fashion showcase; and college, career and an entrepreneurship panel. Lunch will be provided. For details or to register, contact Jamal Gordon at (870) 535-0110 or jamal@jeffersoncountyalliance.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.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Kings Highway installs new pastor
Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church, 2312 Fluker St., will hold its pastoral installation for the Rev. Donnell McTyer at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31. The Rev. Phillip L. Pointer, pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, will be the featured speaker. The Rev. Orienthal J. Newburn Sr., pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Beloit, Wis., will be the guest speaker at the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 6
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: Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
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. 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.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Chamber plans Taste of SEA
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present the Taste of Southeast Arkansas on Sept. 18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The cocktail hour starts at 5:30 p.m. and tasting begins at 6:30 p.m., according to the Chamber newsletter. The event will include an open bar, dishes to taste, and live entertainment by Rodney Block Collective. The attire is Western cocktail. Tickets are $55 for Chamber members, $65 for non-members, and $500 for reserved tables. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Sept. 19
Denim, Diamonds event set
Denim, Diamonds, Boots & Bling, an evening under the stars, will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Saracen Landing. This event will benefit the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Admission is $40 per person. Tickets went on sale Aug. 1. Details: https://www.thedsop.org/ or follow the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project on Social Media.
Saturday, Sept. 20
3 On 3 Basketball event set
A 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament is set for Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. The deadline to register is Sept. 17. Boys ages 12 to 17 are eligible to participate. The team size is four players, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The tournament is presented by Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court, 6th Division, where Judge Earnest E. Brown Jr. is presiding. Sponsors include Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention, Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Hurricane HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) Center, New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church and Simmons Bank. Register for 3 On 3 Basketball Tournament at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWu1K2qe4ZSlzbHyP1TbiVvnkEPJ3FDZIyguP8HnUBDOtpBQ/viewform. Details: Tim Barnett at (870) 718-8968.
Saturday, Oct. 4
John H. Johnson Day features Hutchinson, lawmakers
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will headline the 20th anniversary celebration and tribute dinner for the John H. Johnson Museum, honoring nine lawmakers who sponsored legislation establishing John H. Johnson Day as a statewide memorial holiday. Presented by the Friends of the John H. Johnson Museum, in partnership with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the event will be held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are $40, according to a news release. The tribute will recognize Hutchinson for signing the John H. Johnson Day bill into law and the legislative sponsors of House Bill 1950, passed during the 92nd General Assembly in 2019, which officially designated Nov. 1 as John H. Johnson Day in Arkansas.
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.
Friday, Oct. 10
Alumni luncheon set
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 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.