Thompson vies for Alumni Queen
Kamra Elizabeth Mays Thompson, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is competing for the 2025 University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Alumni Queen.
Thompson is a scholar, educator, mentor, former assistant professor of psychology at UAPB, Ronald McNair Faculty mentor and founder of Psi Chi’s campus chapter.
Rooted in Pine Bluff, Thompson said she was raised by UAPB from swimming lessons and modern dance in middle school to more than 15 years of homecoming parade activities, according to Stuff in The Bluff.
“My journey with UAPB began in childhood and continues with purpose,” she said.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
She gave service in every season from lifeguarding at UAPB Summer Sports to mentoring alumni through graduate school and licensure.
“I’ve shown up for our community with consistency and care,” she said.
“As a lifetime member of the UAPB Alumni Association and leader in the Arkansas Psychological Association, I honor our past, invest in our future, and walk boldly in divine favor,” Thompson said.
During the competition for Alumni Queen, she invites the community to assist in her fund-raising efforts that will help provide scholarships for deserving UAPB students and operational support to the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association.
“This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a calling. The UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Queen Contest is a time-honored tradition rooted in service, legacy, and giving back,” said Thompson.
To support Thompson’s campaign, consider making a donation or joining her fundraising events.
Participants may win either a round trip AA flight valued at $500 or a Brahmin weekender bag valued at more than $400. Tickets are $15 for one or $50 for five tickets.
Win two tickets to the Southern Heritage Classic game scheduled for Sept. 27 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis.
Tickets for this fundraiser are $5 for one ticket or $18.73 for five tickets. Details: (870) 939-7606 or VotekamraUAPB@gmail.com.
Tour de Bluff begins
Tour de Bluff, an annual bicycle themed event produced and managed by Novel T’s, will be held Friday and Saturday in Pine Bluff.
The event is made possible through partnerships and sponsorship funding, according to the Tour de Bluff website.
Events will include:
FRIDAY
ARTx3 Activities are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. such as Tour de Bluff packet pick-up; Tour de Bluff Bike Room featuring bicycle companies, shops, cycling events and related products and services; and entertainment sponsored by Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, according to the Tour de Bluff website.
SATURDAY
Tour de Bluff activities will begin at the Pine Bluff Civic Center plaza.
7 a.m. – Registration and packet pick up. Rest stops and rider support will be available on event day.
8 a.m. — Road Route Riders begin.
10 a.m. — Mayor’s Mile begins. Start your bicycle fitness journey by joining Pine Bluff Mayor Vivian Flowers riding the Tour de Bluff Mayor’s Mile. The Mayor’s Mile is a mile-long adventure. It’s an opportunity for those who have not been on a bike in years or never before, as well as families with small children.
10 a.m. — 1 p.m. — Kids activities
12:00 – Best-Looking Bike Contest
For registration information and details, visit https://www.tourdebluff.com/
Breast Cancer Walk/Run set
The 11th Annual 2K Breast Cancer Walk/Run Weekend in memory of Billie Jean “BJ” Jackson will be held Oct. 17-18.
The community is invited to attend the kick-off event at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. Participants will hear from survivors, doctors and advocates, according to MJ Atkinson’s Facebook page.
The walk/run will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Saracen Landing Pavilion on Lake Saracen. This year’s walk/run offers a 2K and 5K option. In addition, there will be free health screenings, live entertainment, shopping, activities and fellowship, according to Stuff in The Bluff.
Register yourself, family, group, team or organization. The fee is $20 for ages 3 to 11 and $40 for ages 12 and up.
A commemorative T-shirt and finisher medal is included with the registration.
“It’s a weekend of celebration filled with honoring survivors, continuing the legacy of those who are no longer with us and focusing on women’s health and overall well being,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
To register for the walk/run or for details, visit https://www.facebook.com/mj.atkinson.2025 or email bjjacksonfightcurelegacy@yahoo.com.