UAPB to host Black & Gold Ball
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will hold the inaugural Black & Gold Ball at 7 p.m. Friday in the UAPB STEM Building.
“This event promises to be a memorable evening filled with elegance, entertainment, and camaraderie as UAPB students celebrate a new tradition in campus life,” according to the announcement from the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership.
The Black & Gold Ball was developed with the UAPB class of 2024 in mind, recognizing that many of their high school proms were disrupted or canceled due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The event is open to all students and attendees are urged to dress in semi-formal to formal attire.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Black & Gold Ball as a new tradition at UAPB,” said Frank D. Dorsey II, dean of Student Involvement and Leadership. “This event is not only a celebration of our students but also a testament to the resilience and pride of our community. We look forward to seeing everyone come together for a night of fun and lasting memories.”
Details: Dean Frank Dorsey II at (870) 575-8866 or osil@uapb.edu.
Arkansans for the Arts to visit PB
Arkansans for the Arts, the only statewide arts advocacy nonprofit organization, kicks off a four-city tour of town hall meetings about the creative economy at 11 a.m. April 26 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The event is free and includes lunch, but seating is limited, according to a news release.
“We are excited to be back in Pine Bluff for the first 2024 town hall meeting. Our lineup will feature leaders from South Arkansas who work in the vast sector referred to as the creative economy,” said Jean Lacefield, board chairman for Arkansans for the Arts. “Listening directly to communities, bringing together nonprofit organizations, creatives and artists with civic leaders and sharing how to advocate for the creative economy is essential in building ecosystems that support all aspects of the creative economy.”
Jimmy Cunningham, tourism development director for the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotions Commission, will be a featured speaker. Cunningham is also the director of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District, a cultural heritage tourism initiative highlighting music, arts and bayou history along U.S. Highway 65 and U.S. Highway 82 from Pine Bluff to Greenville, Miss.
Other speakers include Suzzette Shaw Goldmon, assistant professor of hospitality and tourism management for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Pam Griffin, president and chief executive officer of El Dorado Festival and Events with Murphy Arts District; and Chef Cynthia East-Malik, director of Food and Beverage at Saracen Casino Resort.
Cunningham and Griffin will talk about music districts as a cultural resource feeding the local economy. During lunch, a discussion will be led by Lacefield. After lunch, Malik and Goldmon will speak. The event also includes a tour of the ARTSpace.
The two-hour event will cover arts-related issues focusing on southern Arkansas counties. The areas included are related to the Arkansas Arts Council’s arts districts, which mirror the Arkansas planning and development districts, and are outlined at arkansasarts.org.
Registration for the free event is required via Eventbrite or by contacting Executive Director Mariah Hatta at mariah@arkansansforthearts.org.
Civic panel to meet
The conference call meeting of the Civic Auditorium Complex Commission will be at noon April 23. The number is (978) 990-5002 and Access Code: 7020010. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
Spring shredding event April 25
Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean & Beautiful Commission will hold its Spring Shredding Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at Saracen Landing.
A limit of 10 boxes of papers per person/group will be accepted. People should sort papers before bringing them. No plastic or metal will be accepted, according to a flier.
Water education, conservation fair set
Liberty Utilities, 1100 State St., will host a water education and conservation fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27. There will be food trucks, demonstrations, vendors, community partners, and giveaways, while supplies last.
“Join us for an educational family day to learn about your water service, water-efficient landscaping and conservation,” according to a flier.
Paul & Silas worship event set
A Paul & Silas worship service will be held at 10 p.m. Friday at Highland Ministries, 1320 S. Peach St. All worshippers are urged to attend.
Praise and worship will be conducted by Kingdom Generation, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
“The Paul & Silas Service was derived from Acts 16:25-26, of which a portion of the scripture says ‘And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God.'”
Highland’s pastor is Christopher Mack. Jenise Todd, a local pastor, is the visionary. Dwayne Baskin is the designated prayer warrior, according to the announcement.