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.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Town Hall luncheon set
A Pine Bluff Town Hall Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St. The event is sponsored by United WE, according to a news release. “Join us for an impactful gathering of local leaders and residents in Pine Bluff, Ark., to discuss strengthening women’s workforce participation,” according to a flyer. “United WE is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan think-and-do tank driving systemic change by focusing on women’s labor force participation to strengthen the overall economy,” according to its website. For details and to register for the event, visit here.
Through Wednesday, Jan. 14
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAM displays sculpture exhibit
The Journey, a collaborative sculptural and mixed-media exhibition featuring work by artists Cindy Blair, Heather Gill and Tom Richard, professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, can be viewed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM through Jan. 14. The Journey showcases an assemblage sculpture by Blair, Gill and Richard in the downstairs gallery. The upstairs gallery features Blair’s illuminated polymer clay sculptures, which explore the interplay of light, color and form, as well as Gill’s collage works depicting birds of western North America, created during her residency in Arizona, according to a news release. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m.
Underway
WH seeks award nominees
Nominations are now open for the 2026 White Hall Community Service Awards. The deadline is March 2, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/. “Do you know someone who truly makes a difference? Nominate them today. This is your chance to recognize those who go above and beyond to make our community such a special place,” according to the post. The White Hall Community Service Awards Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. March 10 at the White Hall Community Center. Submit your nominations to this form. Submit one form for each nominee. You are allowed to submit multiple nominations and do not have to be a member of the chamber to make a nomination. If you have any questions, email the chamber at whitehallchamber@gmail.com.
Thursday, Jan. 15
Sheraton Park residents to meet
Sheraton Park Neighborhood Watch & Taylor Association will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 S. Hazel St., in the Brown building located in the back of the church. The guest speaker will be a representative from the county judge’s office speaking about recycling. Everyone is welcomed to attend, according to a news release.
Sports Hall of Fame to name new inductees
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee invites the community to the announcement of the second annual Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame Class honoring 30 new inductees. The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Pine Bluff Main Library, 600 S. Main St., according to a news release. Visitors will get an exclusive sneak peek to the newest additions to the Bill Carr Museum/Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame: Bill Carr track shoes, Don Hutson football cleats, and the 1939 Pine Bluff High School National Football Championship trophy. Attendees are asked to arrive early.
Ballot measures coalitions to visit PB
The Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids coalitions will kick off the Arkansas Ballot Measures Town Hall Tour in Pine Bluff at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Pine Bluff Library, 600 S. Main St., in the community room. Arkansas Public Policy Panel and Citizens First Congress are joining Protect AR Rights and For AR Kids coalition partners to share insight and answer questions about the two ballot measure campaigns the coalitions are supporting, according to a news release.
Christian Women plan luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will conduct its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The speaker will be Lynae Jacobs, a retired educator from Amarillo, Texas, who will discuss “Tool Box for a Broken Soul.” Also featured will be Melody Grace of Amarillo, a Christian gospel singer, according to a news release. The luncheon is $20 and everyone is invited to attend. All participants are asked to honor their reservations. For reservations and/or cancellations, contact Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 15
Kingfest underway
The PBICVR Original KingFest Week will also host a Birthday Bash on Jan. 15, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday at Coleman Elementary School and Friendship Aspire Academy Elementary School, promoting the message of nonviolence. PBICVR also announced the 21st annual Justice Sunday 2026 will take place at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at New Life Church, 2801 S. Olive St., according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The speaker will be the Rev. Jesse Turner, PBICVR executive director. The Justice Sunday program focuses on themes of unity, mentorship, and the significant contributions of the faith community to civil rights progress. The Watson Chapel Wildcat Society Gentlemen Club will lead the KingFest Parade at 2 p.m. Jan. 19, joined by the Pine Bluff High School Gentlemen Club and families of homicide victims, in a community-wide effort to call for an end to gun violence in Pine Bluff, according to a news release. The Kingfest poster contest will be held and trophies will be awarded. Participants should create a poster that shows how people in the city can come together through peace, respect, and nonviolence. Clearly reflect the theme “Uniting Our City the Nonviolent Way.” Details: PBICVR, (870) 730-1131 or (870) 413-6345.
Through Thursday, Jan. 15
KingFest parade applications open
Applications are open for the 42nd PBICVR Original KingFest MLK Marade/Parade, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Applications can be picked up until Jan. 15 at the PBICVR office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Suite 109, or requested via email at pbicvr@aol.com. There is no charge to participate. The Marade/Parade will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 19. The lineup begins at 1 p.m. at Third Avenue and Walnut Street. Details: (870) 730-1131.
Friday,, Jan. 16
Orders due for Chamber dinner
Orders are due Friday for tickets or table sponsorships for the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. The event will be held Jan. 22 at the4 Pine Bluff Country Club. From 6- 6:30 p.m. cocktails will be served and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 for members and $65 non-members. Table sponsorships are $600 for a seated table for eight people. This year’s featured speaker is Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin and a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. For tickets or details, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
Art League plans workshop
The Pine Bluff Art League (PBAL) will host a monoprinting workshop led by league member Dell Gorman from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 16. The league invites area artists and beginners to attend at the session at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Participants will learn from start to finish how to produce a unique monoprint, according to a news release. The workshop is open to anyone ages 15 and older. The cost is $25 for nonmembers, with a $5 discount for members. Artists can mail checks to the Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Building, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. For a list of materials and more information, contact Co-President Gerry DeLongchamp at (870) 692-5001.
Saturday, Jan. 17
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hold its monthly food giveaway Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. until all the food has been distributed. Participants must show proof of address which must be at least one of these: a driver’s license, identification, or utility bills. All new clients will fill out a new client intake form on site, according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, senior pastor, House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Historical Society to meet
The Jefferson County Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Jan. 18 at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St., in the center. Entrance to the center is through the Laurel Street door on the west side of the church, according to a news release. The speaker will be Joe Dempsey, the new editor and publisher of the Jefferson County Historical Quarterly. Dempsey is also owner of Joe Dempsey Communications Co. The public is invited the meeting.
Monday, Jan. 19
KingFest Marade/Parade set
The 42nd PBICVR Original KingFest MLK Marade/Parade, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will take place at 2 p.m. Jan. 19 in downtown Pine Bluff. J. Thomas “Tommy” May, the Simmons First Foundation chairman and CEO, will be the grand marshal. The lineup begins at 1 p.m. at Third Avenue and Walnut Street. Participants will go east on Third Avenue to the overpass, south on Convention Center drive to the north steps of the Civic Center complex, according to a news release. The event’s theme is “Remembering Their Names Matters.” Families of homicide victims over the years are encouraged to participate in the marade/parade as special guests, according to a news release. The community is also asked to create a poster that shows how people in Pine Bluff can come together through peace, respect, and nonviolence. Applications are open for the marade/parade can be picked up until Jan. 15 at the PBICVR office in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Suite 109, or requested via email at pbicvr@aol.com. There is no charge to participate. Details: (870) 730-1131.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Chambers hosts annual dinner
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner will be held Jan. 22 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. This year’s featured speaker is Bill Jones, CEO of Sissy’s Log Cabin and a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, according to the Chamber newsletter. Tickets to the dinner are $60 for members and $65 for non-members. Table sponsorships are $600 for eight people. For tickets or sponsorship information, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or call Jennifer Kline, Chamber director, at (870) 535-0110.
Through Thursday, Jan. 22
ASC features 2026 Small Works
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, is on view at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St., until Jan. 22. The exhibition will then travel to nine other venues across Arkansas throughout the year. Participating artists in the 2026 exhibition include Shawn Penister of Pine Bluff, according to a news release. Details: Matthew Howard, Arts & Science Center visitor and gallery specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Sunday, Jan. 25
NCC sets Kingdom Builders service
New Community Church, 321 N. Birch St., will host its Kingdom Builders program at 6 p.m. Jan. 25. The featured speaker will be the church’s first lady, Janice Lockett, a missionary. New Community also has prayer at noon Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, as well as regular service at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays. The community is invited to attend. The pastor/apostle is Patrick Lockett.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Chamber sets luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon Feb. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, according to the Chamber’s newsletter. Lunch is $15 per person and will be catered by Bullsden Grill & BBQ. Lunch must be paid for in advance by contacting the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Friday, Feb. 13
Alphas set Scholarship Fundraiser
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will present the 2026 Valentine’s Scholarship Fundraiser Feb. 13 at 7:06 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The gala is being presented by the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in conjunction with the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation. The theme is “All Black Affair with a Touch of Gold.” General admission is $50 per person. Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are also available, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Checks or money orders should be mailed no later than Feb. 6 to: Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation, Post Office Box 3159, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. Checks should be made to the foundation, which is a 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. For more information about the fundraiser, contact Arzo Knox at (501) 351-7336 or arzo.knox@hotmail.com.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Bobby Rush to perform in concert
Port City Blues Society will host a special concert appearance by three-time Grammy Award winner, Bobby Rush, and his band. This special edition of the Midtown Blues concert series will be held Feb. 15 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, at 128 S. Main St. Rush will perform in two shows. The doors will open for the first show at 5 p.m. and the second show at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $25. Tickets are being sold in advance. Call (870) 510-1910 to purchase tickets. The Port City Blues Players will open the shows followed by Rush and his band. After each show, Rush will greet and visit with concert goers, according to a news release.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Hospital foundation sets gala
Jefferson Regional Foundation will present the Winter Wonderland Ball 2026 on Feb. 28 at the White Hall Community Center. There will be live entertainment, according to a flier. Tickets are $250. For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.
Through Monday, March 2
WH seeks award nominees
Nominations are now open for the 2026 White Hall Community Service Awards. The deadline is March 2, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/. “Do you know someone who truly makes a difference? Nominate them today. This is your chance to recognize those who go above and beyond to make our community such a special place,” according to the post. The White Hall Community Service Awards Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. March 10 at the White Hall Community Center. Submit your nominations to https://forms.gle/f3QjpsBkBdZMfcWo6. Submit one form for each nominee. You are allowed to submit multiple nominations and do not have to be a member of the chamber to make a nomination. If you have any questions, email the chamber at whitehallchamber@gmail.com.