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. 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.
Monday, Sept. 1
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Agencies plan Labor Day closings
Several offices announced their closing schedules for Labor Day on Monday.
Pine Bluff City Hall and related offices will be closed Monday and Pine Bluff City Council will be held Sept. 2. Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices will be closed Monday. Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas offices and senior centers will be closed Monday, however Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT) will still be running for dialysis and cancer patients. Waste Management will be closed Monday and WM will run residential garbage routes one day late. Liberty Utilities will be closed Monday.
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Ivy plans health workshop
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Medical Professionals Club Scrub Workshop will be held Sept. 2 from 6-7 p.m. at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central Campus, 1601 W. 40th Ave. Students in 7th-12th grades interested in medical careers are encouraged to attend and parents are also welcome. Everyone is encouraged to arrive by 5:45 p.m. and enter at the rear of the building. Participants who cannot attend in person may join on Zoom, according to a news release. The theme for the workshop is “What is Healthcare?” The presenter will be Susie Marks, executive director of the Arkansas Nurses Association. To attend via Zoom, use Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 3
Chamber plans luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at The Magnolia Food Market & Bar and The Bank: Pine Bluff Mercantile in Simmons Bank Park, 601 S. Main St., #A&B. The speaker will be Ryan Watley of Go Forward Pine Bluff. Lunch costs $15 per person and will be catered by The Oasis. Lunch must be paid in advance. To RSVP, call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Talk to focus on UAPB’s Corbin
Author Gladys Turney Finney and Kimberley Davis, dean and professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Education, will honor Professor Joseph Carter Corbin and the founding of Branch Normal College (now UAPB) more than 150 years ago. The conversation will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Downtown, 333 President Clinton Ave., in Little Rock. The event will also be available virtually by registering at https://events.cals.org/event/14313529. The talk highlights Corbin’s to education as part of the Legacies & Lunch series, a free program of CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies about Arkansas-related topics, according to a news release.
Education panel to meet in PB
The House and Senate Education Committees will be meeting jointly at 10 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Pine Bluff Public Library, 600 S. Main St. The meeting agenda and exhibits will be posted to the website closer to the meeting date, according to a news release. Details: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/
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.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Ivy Center plans ACT seminar
The Ivy Center for Education will host a free virtual ACT Boot Camp for students in 7-12th grades. On Sept. 4 from 6-8 p.m. students will review math and science. The boot camp’s Zoom ID is 856 8296 4187 and passcode is 351061. The presentation will be led by Charity Smith-Allen, principal associate for education at Fetterman & Associates, according to a news release. The ACT test will be administered Sept. 6. Students should check with their guidance counselors for testing times and locations. Details: Mattie Collins at mattie1908@gmail.com.
Through Friday, Sept. 5
NAACP seeks nominees for awards
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 Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 2906 E. Harding Ave. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 5, according to a news 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.
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.
Sunday, Sept. 7
Gould church observes anniversary
Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gould will celebrate its 109th Anniversary along with Friends and Family Day at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 7. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Donald Manning, pastor of Thomas Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Gould, along with his congregation. Everyone is welcome to attend this celebration. The Rev. Phillip Puckett is the pastor of Mt. Moriah.
Through Monday, Sept. 8
Divine Dancers offer scholarship
Divine Dancers of the Delta (3-D) is offering a $500 scholarship. Applicants must be currently enrolled, full-time students at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a grade point average of at least 2.5. The application deadline is Sept. 8. The scholarship will be awarded to one student Sept. 29, according to a news release. This scholarship reflects Beverly Blunt’s passion for helping students succeed and her commitment to supporting their academic goals through financial assistance. A Pine Bluff native, Blunt is a UAPB graduate and founder of Divine Dancers of the Delta (3-D), a non-profit organization. For an application or details, send an email to divinedancersofthedelta@gmail.com.
Through Wednesday, Sept. 10
UAPB Season Ticket Challenge set
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced the Alumni Season Ticket Challenge, an initiative inviting UAPB alumni chapters nationwide to rally behind Golden Lion Athletics through friendly competition and support. This challenge — anchored in the theme “Stand Up. Show Out. Give Back.”– aims to strengthen alumni engagement while generating new revenue for UAPB Athletics, according to a news releasde from the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association. The alumni chapter that purchases the most general admission season ticket packages by Sept. 10 will receive 10 VIP Passes to the Athletic Director’s Touchdown Tent during Homecoming — complete with complimentary food, drinks, and exclusive sideline access. Chapters must purchase a minimum of 15 season ticket packages during the campaign period. Purchase a general admission season ticket package at the Alumni Season Ticket Challenge Link: https://www.ticketreturn.com/TRMobile/#/tickets/choose-tickets/choose-section?sid=19103&SeasonPassID=25 Details: Quenton Moore at mooreq@uapb.edu or follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Session explains AI for test prep
A workshop teaching how to use Generative AI for SAT and college prep will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. Presented by the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce, this event is free. Featuring Audrey P. Willis, co-founder of Code Crew, this workshop is designed for families who want to see how generative AI can make the road to college less overwhelming, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. For details or to register for the Generative AI Workshop, visit https://pbbcc.glueup.com/event/ai-sat-college-prep-143460/
UAM to showcase national pianist
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will present a piano concert featuring Misha Galant, the 2025 National Federation of Music Clubs’ (NFMC) Young Artist winner at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Harris Recital Hall in the music building. This event is free and open to the public, according to a news release. The concert, which will last approximately an hour, is presented in collaboration with the Southeast Arkansas Concert Association, National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), Monticello Music Club and Pine Bluff Musical Coterie.
Beginning Thursday, Sept. 11
Gospel Music month celebrated
September is Arkansas Gospel Music Heritage Month (AGMHM) and major celebrations will be held in Pine Bluff Sept. 11-14, according to a news release. Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. — An All-State Choir rehearsal happens at First Assembly of God, 1002 Ridgway Road. This is an open rehearsal for all singers and musicians from throughout Arkansas who have a desire to share their talents. A run-through of the celebration’s grand finalé will be included. Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — A Youth and Young Adult Extravaganza and Concert will be held at New Life Church, 2801 S. Olive St. This event will include music, games, and giveaways. Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. — The AGMHM Grand Finalé 2025 Celebration will be observed at First Assembly of God. The attire is formal. The doors open at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, media inquiries, or to secure sponsorship opportunities, contact AGMHM Media Relations Director Shayla Donahue at (870) 718-7802 or Arkansasgospelmusic@hotmail.com. For details about AGMHM, call (870) 413-9154.
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.
Sunday, Sept. 14
New Community honors pastor, wife
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will also observe the 22nd Anniversary of the pastor/apostle and wife, Patrick and Janice Lockett, at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Lee Whitiker, pastor of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Feeding Brighter Futures event set
The second annual “Feeding Brighter Futures Workshop” is set for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at in McGeorge Hall at Southeast Arkansas College. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Community members are invited to join and help develop solutions for promoting healthy eating in local youth programs. Details: Kimberly Haynie at hayniek@uapb.edu.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Rosenzweig exhibition opens
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas will host its 2025 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition featuring 35 pieces. The show opens Sept. 18 with an awards reception from 5-7 p.m. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Details: https://www.artx3.org/exhibits/irene-rosenzweig-biennial-juried-exhibition.
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
UAPB Lonoke farm field day set
The 2025 Agriculture Farm Field Day will be held Sept. 19 at the Pearlie S. Reed/Robert L. Cole Small Farm Outreach Wetlands and Water Management Center on the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Farm in Lonoke. The field day begins with registration at 7 a.m. and opening remarks at 8 a.m. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. with the last tour leaving at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at 11:30 a.m. The event will conclude with presentations, networking and visiting vendors until the 1:30 p.m. adjournment. Tractor-pulled trailers will transport participants to different learning stations, which will feature scientists, researchers and faculty reporting on a variety of agricultural projects, according to a news release. Details: Julius Handcock, resident director of UAPB’s Lonoke and Marianna Farms, at (501) 676-1534 handcockj@uapb.edu; Obadiah Njue, assistant dean for Extension and outreach, at (870) 575-8152 or njueo@uapb.edu; or Karen Lee, Small Farm Program Extension program specialist, at (870) 575-7225 or leek@uapb.edu.
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. Performers include Pashu’ar Grissom, Jimmy Cunningham, DJ B Nice, Rahj Cummings, Kordae McCoy and Big Mond. Food will be provided by local caterers and a cash bar will be available, according to the release. Tickets may be purchased via Cash App at $dsoutreachproject or by contacting Seals at (501) 940-3467, Kenetta Ridgell at (870) 818-7993 or Marcie Johnson at (870) 329-1970. Details: https://www.thedsop.org/ or follow the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project on Social Media.
Through Friday, Sept. 19
Program offers schools shade trees
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program is accepting applications from Arkansas schools through Sept. 19. Selected schools will receive up to five Arkansas-native shade trees, along with mulch, watering supplies, planting guidelines, and on-site assistance from department staff. Each planting will take place this fall during a ceremony involving students, according to a news release. Eligible applicants include any public or private Arkansas school serving grades pre-K through 12, as well as non-traditional educational facilities such as juvenile detention centers, residential childcare institutions, and long-term care facilities. Details: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/stop-program/
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.
Thursday, Sept. 25
United Way sets Day of Caring
United Way Southeast Arkansas announced the Day of Caring 3rd Ward Cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 beginning at at Kingdom Builders Outreach Church, 3105 S. Apple St. Volunteers will check in at the United Way Table and receive supplies. Projects start after a welcome session and continue throughout the day, ending with a group celebration, according to a news release. For more information or to sign up, contact United Way Southeast Arkansas at (870) 534-2153 or info@pbreynoldscenter.org.
Saturday, Sept. 27
OSJ conference features Vickie Winans
Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4512 S. Ohio St., will present Grammy Award nominated Gospel singer Vickie Winans as the special guest artist during the Women’s Conference on Sept. 27. Registration starts at 8 a.m. The conference begins at 9 a.m. with opening speaker Latonya Scott of Old St. James followed by three classes taught by Bishop Shirley Sanders, Yolanda Campbell and Cassandra Shaw. The registration is $65 and includes the program, a bag, continental breakfast, a souvenir, lunch and conference T-shirt. The theme is “Expensive — Bought With A Price.” To register, text 2025 to (870) 397-7448, or register at the church on Sundays, call the church at (870) 534-7654 or contact spokeswoman Charlotte Allen at (870) 550-4561. The Rev. David M. Smith is the pastor of Old St. James.
Sunday, Sept. 28
Pleasant View honors pastor
Pleasant View Ministries Church, 1117 N. Palm St., will commemorate the 39th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. William A. Shaw Jr. at 11 a.m. Sept. 28. This service will include special guests, tributes and music. “Celebrate 39 years of faith, love and leadership with us,” says a spokesperson. Those unable to attend but desire to be a blessing to the pastor may send an offering to Shaw’s Cash App at $SHAWWA, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Through Tuesday, Sept. 30
Wildfire suppression kits available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through Sept. 30. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the department plans to distribute 75 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across the state this year. Since 2014, more than 830 kits have been provided to enhance local wildfire response capabilities, according to a news release. Applications can be submitted at https://www.cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/_2025ApplicationForWildlandFireSuppressionKit. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
UAPB plans Career Summit
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Fall 2025 Career Summit is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex. The event will feature 46 organizations representing business/industry, government agencies, graduate/professional schools, and school districts, the UAPB Office of Career Services said in a news release. The summit is open to all students currently enrolled at the UAPB and for alumni, according to the release. UAPB Career Services office encourages all attendees to bring copies of a well-prepared resume. While professional dress is preferred, it is not required. Participants are asked to not wear jeans, sweats, or mini-skirts. Details: Shirley Hampton at UAPB at (870) 575-8461.
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.
Saturday, Oct. 18
WH to host Founders Day
White Hall will host its 2025 White Hall Founders Day Festival on Oct. 18, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. The event will include vendors, food trucks, entertainers, as well as the annual parade. “Let’s make this year’s Founders Day bigger and better than ever — can’t wait to see you there,” according to the Facebook post. For details, visit https://whitehallfoundersday.com/showcase.html.
Friday, Oct. 24
NAACP to host annual banquet
The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its annual Dove Freedom Fund Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 2906 E. Harding Ave. The NAACP awards will be presented at the banquet. The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP president is Ivan Whitfield.
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.