Brunson becomes program coordinator
LaTisha Brunson of Pine Bluff has become a 100 Families coordinator in Jefferson County in partnership with Southeast Arkansas College.
The 100 Families Initiative of Jefferson County is about moving families from a place of crisis to an environment where they are thriving. This includes areas like housing, transportation, employment, education, addiction/recovery, and food stability, according to the agency’s Facebook page.
“We are so thrilled to welcome LaTisha to the team. Visit the 100 Families Jefferson County Page and watch what happens,” a spokesman said in a news release.
Brunson, who had a 20-year career in human resources, is also a Ward 1 Pine Bluff City Council member.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“She has an unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity, collaborating with state agencies like the Minority Health Commission and the Arkansas Food Desert Network to bring a much-needed grocery store back to her ward,” according to the release.
“Furthermore, she has championed legislation to halt the proliferation of ‘small box’ stores in her ward, emphasizing equal access to quality food options for all residents. Her Positive Progress Plan focuses on ADA-compliant equipment at city parks, ensuring every child has equal opportunities for recreation,” according to the release.
Brunson serves her alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, as a 50 Under 50 Outstanding Alumni Honoree and has received the Elected Official of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers. She is also a member of the Delta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Moss slates Humor Month project
Bob “Hubba Jubba” Moss, a local motivation lecturer and author, will present the fourth annual Celebration of National Humor Month. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 29 at the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, at 510 Main St.
The celebration returns after a three-year absence due to covid conditions. This year’s title is: “Lunch, Leer and Learn to Love to Laff for Life,” according to a news release.
The community is invited to attend. Free lunch will be followed by a review of why hearty laughs are good medicine and the greatest gestures of enthusiasm. The concluding activity will engage participants in creating hand-made mementos encouraging 24/7 positive attitudes, according to the release.
Sponsors are the Chamber and Moss Cess LLC. Moss will facilitate the program. Drawings will be held for assorted prizes and Hubba Jubba’s book. Registration can be made by calling the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Gun Violence Awareness rally set
The city of Pine Bluff will join cities across the nation in observing Wear Orange National Gun Violence Awareness Day. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
The Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention and other local organizations will lead the event. Local residents are encouraged to wear orange to honor survivors and victims of gun violence, according to a news release.
The observance will feature speakers, workshops on conflict resolution, games, interactions with law enforcement, music, additional resources for citizens, free food and refreshments, and vendors.
“Please wear the color orange and bring a child, teen and/or young adult with you,” said GVI Director Kevin Crumpton Sr. “Join us as we work together to better Pine Bluff, with our voices, and through our actions.”
Orange was the color chosen to be worn because it is typically the color used by hunters to alert others not to shoot. People across the nation have worn orange on the first Friday of June to honor those who have been the victims or survivors of gun violence.
The family oriented rally seeks to educate and bring awareness about the impact of gun violence on the community, state, and nation.
Sponsors are Office of Mayor Shirley Washington, Sixth Division Circuit Court-Juvenile Division, United Family Services, Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Pine Bluff Police Department, Super 1 Foods, Simmons Bank, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and Pine Bluff First Assembly Church.
GVI plans back-to-school bash
Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention will conduct a Unity Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
There will be free food, free games, school supplies, and entertainment. GVI and several other local organizations will lead the event, according to a news release.
Sponsors are Office of Mayor Shirley Washington, Sixth Division Circuit Court-Juvenile Division, United Family Services, Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Pine Bluff Police Department, Super 1 Foods, Simmons Bank, Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, and Pine Bluff First Assembly Church.
McGehee School Board to meet
The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the high school library. The agenda includes student academic data or performance information, including graduation rate and current graduation data, administrator’s reports, and executive session, according to a news release.