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.
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.
Underway
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Area Agency sets blanket drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas’ annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive in Jefferson County is underway until Feb. 13. The purpose of the drive is obtain new blankets for individuals who are elderly and/or sick and shut-in to keep them warm this winter, according to a news release. Donors may also drop off blankets to the Area Agency, 709 E. Eighth Ave., during regular business hours. For details, call Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones at (870) 543-6313.
WH seeks award nominees
Nominations are now open for the 2026 White Hall Community Service Awards. The deadline is March 2, according to the Chamber’s Facebook page. “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. You may submit your nominations to this link. 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.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Justice Sunday observance set
The PBICVR Original KingFest Week will observe the 21st annual Justice Sunday at 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at New Life Church, 2801 S. Olive St., according to StuffinTheBluff.com. The speaker will be the Rev. Jesse Turner, executive director of Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration and pastor emeritus of Elm Grove Baptist Church. The Justice Sunday program focuses on themes of unity, mentorship, and the significant contributions of the faith community to civil rights progress. The observance is part of Kingfest events that honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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 also invited the meeting.
Monday, Jan. 19
Alphas, NAACP plan MLK breakfast
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at 8 a.m. Monday at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 W. Hill St. The guest speaker will be the Rev. James Murry, pastor of Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church. The breakfast is free of charge and open to the general public, according to a news release. The Rev. Kevin Crumpton is the pastor of Pilgrim church and Robert Treadwell is the interim president of the Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP.
Citywide Mission to meet
The Citywide Mission will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1200 W. Eighth Ave., where the Rev. Kirby Gulley is pastor. The Rev. Renice Davis, pastor of Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, will offer the “Word of Hope,” according to a spokesman.
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. The Watson Chapel Wildcat Society Gentlemen Club will lead the KingFest Parade joined by the Pine Bluff High School Gentlemen Club. Details: (870) 730-1131.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Urban Renewal board to meet
Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency will hold its regular board meeting Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Generator, 435 S Main St., according to a news release. Details: (870) 209-0323.
City council to meet Jan. 20
The Pine Bluff City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Detective Kevin Collins Center in the council chambers at the civic center. The council agenda includes a resolution opposing the proposed Southeast Estates Senior Cottages Development at 1701 W. 73rd Ave., and expressing support for relocation to the original planned site or a suitable alternative site, subject to community engagement, infrastructure capacity, and all applicable laws. For other agenda items or details, visit the city of Pine Bluff’s Facebook page or https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7xwUiJipFBLat3TUu1ybJE9SUxiFuta/view?usp=sharing.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Church news deadline set
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, 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.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 23
Stuttgart center seeks photo, arts entries
The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart will present the Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts in divisions of photography and visual arts, according to a news release. The 70th festival will be accepting entries in visual arts and photography for adults and children at the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie on Jan. 23 from 1-4 p.m. and Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibit dates are Feb. 2-26. The center will have a closing reception Feb. 26 from 5-6 p.m. The art pick-up date is Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register for the visual arts and photography entries, visit www.grandprairiearts.com or send an email to ArtsCenteroftheGrandPrairie@gmail.com. Details: (870) 659-2873.
Saturday, Jan. 24
Barraque Street MBC sets prayer breakfast
Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen St., will hold a prayer breakfast Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The theme will be “I Trust in God.” The guest speaker will be Angela Gatlin, an evangelist from Little Rock. The guest psalmist will be Teunna Green of Little Rock. Music will be provided by Maurice Tatum, minister of music at Barraque Street church. The Rev. Gary Noble is interim pastor at Barraque Street.
Russ Foundation plans forum
The Carnell Russ Foundation Vision Center in Star City will host a Community Empowerment Forum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 24. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release. Featured presenters will be: Earnest Sanders — a lawyer; Jamie Middleton – a grant writing and funding specialist; and Pamela Powell – a financial analyst. Leatrice Russ Glenns is Executive Director of the Carnell Russ Foundation. This forum reflects the foundation’s commitment to education, empowerment and community advancement, according to the release.
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.
Free VITA income tax prep set
Residents are encourage to take advantage of the free Super Saturday Tax Filing from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The Pine Bluff Wealth Building Coalition is presenting its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) event, which will provide free income tax preparation services for low-income families and individuals on Super Saturday, according to a news release. The service helps people making $67,000 or less annually. Participants must bring identification and Social Security cards for themselves and dependents, income information including W2s and 1099 forms, and other items such as last year’s return, bank information, and receipts. The coalition is made up of several organizations, including Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc., Arkansas Community Organization, the Southeast Arkansas Jewel Foundation and the United Way of Southeast Arkansas.
Details: PBICVR (870) 730-1131.
Sunday, Feb. 1
Grady church honors pastor/wife
An Ear to Hear Worship Center, 10912 U.S. 65 South in Grady, will host the first anniversary of its pastor and wife, the Rev. Antonio and LaTravia Iverson at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1. The guest speaker will be the apostle/pastor, Patrick Lockett, of New Community Church of Pine Bluff, accompanied by his congregation. The worship leader will be Keenon Coleman.
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.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Neighbor to Neighbor sets soup fundraiser
Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., will have its annual SOUP-er Bowl Soup Sale on Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Participants can come by Neighbor to Neighbor and pick up some of their favorite soups from local chefs, according to a news release. Soups will be $12 a quart and seafood and chowders will be $15 a quart. Saracen Casino Resort, Fresh Market, Colton’s steakhouse, Pine Bluff Country Club and other restaurants donate their most popular soups for this fundraiser. In addition, individuals provide soups they have become “famous” for over the years. “So come early before your favorites sell out and get ready to feed your crowd on Super Bowl Sunday,” a spokesman said. Details: Pat Tate, executive director at Neighbor to Neighbor, (870) 534-2883.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Blues artist Keith Johnson performs
Blues artist Keith Johnson and the Big Muddy Band will play for the Midtown Blues concert series at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Admission is free for Port City Blues Society members and $5 for others, according to a news release. Johnson will be coming to Pine Bluff fresh from the experience of playing with Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience tour.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Divine 9 plans political forum
The Divine 9 and community partners will host a political candidate forum at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Circuit Judge Jackie B. Harris will be the moderator. The forum will have two sessions, according to a news release. The first panel will feature candidates for prosecuting attorney, county sheriff, county clerk, city council (Ward 3 and Ward 4), and justices of the peace (JP District 1, 3, 5, and 9). The second panel begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature candidates for county judge, county assessor, county coroner, circuit clerk, and justices of the peace (JP District 2, 4, 6, and 13.)
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.
Through Friday, Feb. 13
Area Agency sets blanket drive
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas’ annual Share the Warmth Blanket Drive in Jefferson County is underway until Feb. 13. The purpose of the drive is obtain new blankets for individuals who are elderly and/or sick and shut-in to keep them warm this winter, according to a news release. Donors may drop off blankets to the Area Agency, 709 E. Eighth Ave., during regular business hours. For details, call Carolyn Ferguson, (870) 543-6309 or Pauline Jones at (870) 543-6313.
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.
Beginning Saturday, March 7
Grand Prairie textile arts contest set
The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie in Stuttgart will conduct its 2026 Grand Prairie Festival of the Arts’ Textile Arts session March 7-8. Previously known as Decorative Arts, the session name has been updated to emphasize the collection of needle and thread arts to be exhibited, according to a news release. Adults, youth and children may register their textile arts entries online with the Arts Center of the Grand Prairie at https://www.grandprairiearts.com. An entry fee is required for each item, to be delivered to the arts center. Deliveries will be received 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 27, and 28. A guest judge will determine the first, second, third place winners and honorable mention, as well as select the Best of Show entry. The exhibit will be held in Salon A at the Grand Prairie Center March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 8 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The March 8 event will include a short presentation by guest artist Natalie Mosher at 2:30 p.m., a Quilt of Valor ceremony at 3 p.m., and the awards presentation and reception at 3:30 p.m. Details: (870) 659-2873.
Saturday, April 25
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame will be held April 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. A new Legend will be inducted with 20 other athletes, four coaches and others into the Hall of Fame. The first class, inducted last year, was highlighted by six All-Time Greats. Bruce Maxwell is now the 16th Legend. Tickets for the JCSHOF induction will go on sale in February.