EHC slates fair judging school
The Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Council will be hosting a Fair Judging School from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office, 500 S. Idaho St.
The cost will be $20, payable at the door, and includes a fair judging manual and lunch. The school is open to all extension homemakers, according to a news release.
Those interested in attending should register by calling Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent, at (870) 534-1033 or by email to mkizer@uada.edu to register by Aug. 29.
NAACP seeks nominees for awards
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is seeking 2025 nominations for the NAACP awards.
The awards will be presented at the annual Dove Freedom Fund Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 5, according to a news release.
The NAACP Awards committee is accepting nominations for the following categories using these criteria:
PINE BLUFF BRANCH MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Actively participated in Voter Empowerment efforts of the branch.
Actively participated in the membership campaigns of the branch.
Regularly attended and participated in meetings and activities of the branch.
Worked or assisted in helping to promote educational programs designed to give moral and ethical interpretation to the civil rights struggle.
Demonstrated loyalty to the efforts of the Pine Bluff Branch.
THE DOVE CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD
Worked to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups.
Worked to eliminate racial prejudice.
Worked to increase voter registration/education and mobilization.
Worked to keep the public aware of incidents of racial discrimination consistent with the guidelines of the NAACP.
Demonstrated a belief in and support of the efforts of the Pine Bluff Branch and is a current member of the branch.
THE REV. H.O. GRAY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Volunteered time and/or services without compensation to the Pine Bluff community.
Fosters a positive attitude about the NAACP and the Pine Bluff community.
Encourages others to participate in community service activities.
Community service can include serving as leader in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, food pantries, etc.
Helped others to achieve and/or overcome obstacles to build stronger, healthier and safer communities.
Demonstrated loyalty to the efforts of the NAACP by being an active member of the Pine Bluff Branch.
THE EDUCATION AWARD
For meritorious contributions in education.
Contributions by school administrators, teachers, staff, students or other community members who have enhanced the quality of education in the community.
Demonstrated loyalty to efforts of the NAACP by being an active member of the Pine Bluff Branch.
THE RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AWARD
For meritorious contributions in the community specifically in the area of religion by church organization, clergy and non-clergy individuals.
Demonstrated loyalty to the efforts of the NAACP by being an active member and encouraging others to be active members of the Pine Bluff Branch.
THE CLESHENDRA HALL KEEP HOPE ALIVE AWARD
Has to be fighting for someone or something positive.
Has been waiting on results for many years.
Has or had many life challenges because of the wait.
Displayed fortitude and stood fast in the face of adversity.
Inspires others through their steadfast dedication for the greater good.
THE JACK E. FOSTER COURAGE AWARD
Has taken a stance on injustice.
Has been recognized for being part of positive change.
Has been instrumental in effective change for others.
Has fearlessly challenged the system despite insurmountable odds.
Risked retaliation and significant sacrifices for the cause of justice.
“We invite you to submit the names of deserving citizens in our community,” according to the release.
Nomination forms and details are available by calling Awards Chairman Yvonne Denton at (870) 550-4247 or by emailing her at dentonym_tpe@yahoo.com. The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP president is Ivan Whitfield.