Alphas host financial workshop
Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. held a financial literacy session Dec. 5 during Alpha Week activities. The virtual event, held via Zoom garnered attendance from DSL brothers and the community.
The purpose was to provide insights on financial literacy and empower participants with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.
Leading the session was Alpha brother, Toney Franklin, a licensed financial advisor specializing in risk protection, investment options, and retirement planning, associated with Northwestern Mutual, according to a news release.
Franklin dove into various aspects of personal finance, emphasizing the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing wisely. He provided practical advice on building a financial foundation, maximizing investment opportunities, and effectively planning for retirement.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
DSL Chapter, under the leadership of Chapter President Jackie Harris, reaffirmed their commitment to bringing financial education to the community.
Harris expressed his gratitude for Franklin’s presentation.
“We are fortunate to have Brother Toney Franklin, grandson of chapter charter member, the late Brother Roger Lynn Johnson and established licensed financial advisor from Northwestern Mutual, provide invaluable insights on wealth creation and protection,” Harris said.
Participants commended the chapter for organizing the event and appreciated Franklin for sharing his knowledge.
PeopleShores announced the appointment of Olandera Dunn as its new director, effective Dec. 18.
The PeopleShores Center in Pine Bluff is adjacent to Southeast Arkansas College. The agency is a for-profit social enterprise that brings technology-driven jobs to the “shores” of communities in the United States by building a technology and technology-enabled services business, according to a news release.
Dunn is a native of Pine Bluff, and a graduate of Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where she completed coursework to obtain a bachelor’s degree in mass media and communications. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and is currently president of the Parent Teacher Association at Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff, according to the release.
“With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation as well as trained experience in communications, radio broadcasting, community outreach, sales/marketing, public relations, event management, retail, non-profit, fundraising, and volunteer management, Dunn is poised to lead PeopleShores into a new era of continued success in Pine Bluff,” according to the release.
PeopleShores has a mutually beneficial relationship for business and education programs and other wraparound support services such as childcare, training, and continuing education.
“Currently, industries supported by the center includes healthcare, financial services, insurance and education. The services provided are technical help desk, claims processing, customer call center support, IT systems support and robotic process automation (RPA) BOT Development,” according to the release.
Details: peopleshores.com or pspinebluff@gmail.com.
PBSD stakeholders to meet
The Pine Bluff School District Unified Stakeholders will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, at The Generator, 435 Main St. Wilma Kindle is the group’s president, according to a news release.
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will give away food boxes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Each client will need proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, and the proof must match. This is the church’s last food giveaway for 2023, according to a news release. Details: (870) 872-2196.
Carroll sets toy drive giveaway
Alfred Carroll Ministries and Dollar General™ are hosting a toy drive giveaway beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday at Dollar General, 1414 E. Harding Ave.
Toy donations are being accepted now through Saturday at the store. The Corvette Brothers of Pine Bluff will be assisting with toy distribution, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
“We would like for children and parents to accompany each other,” Carroll said of the giveaway Saturday. Details: The Rev. Alfred Carroll, (870) 692-9039.
Toney Franklin