McGehee School Board to meet
The McGehee School Board will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the high school library.
The agenda includes the annual Report to the Public, recognition of Students of the Month, district budget and policy manual revisions proposals, according to a news release.
Voices of Black Mothers group to begin
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration is collaborating with Turning Point Youth Center Inc. and Being Brothers for Kids organizations to launch a national chapter of Voices of Black Mothers United in Pine Bluff.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The chapter is focused on confronting the disturbing trend of young individuals dying prematurely due to senseless gun violence, according to a news release.
“We are establishing the Voices of Black Mothers United in Pine Bluff, Ark., to provide hope and support to mothers who have lost children to gun violence,” Yolanda Pitts, pastor of Turning Point Youth Center, said. “The Woodson Center initiative aims to create a space for fellowship among mothers, where they can share their unique stories and raise awareness about the number of Black children lost to gun violence annually.”
October marks National Crime Prevention Month, and the inaugural organizational meeting for VBMU will commence Oct. 5 at noon in the A&B meeting rooms of the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. A special invitation is extended to parents, siblings and grandparents who have suffered the loss of a child due to gun violence. Light refreshments will be served.
“In Pine Bluff, the problem has become stark as we see homicide victims tick up between the ages of 18 years old and younger. Gun violence is ending the lives of young Black males leaving mothers devastated. In 2023, youths under 17 accounted for 40 percent of Pine Bluff 29 homicides, all of whom were Black teenagers. Male victims represented 98% of these teen homicides, with females 2%, according to the PBICVR Respect for Life Campaign,” according to the release.
“The objective and strategy of Voices of Black Mothers United is decreasing homicides and incidents of gun violence, among African Americans by 4 to 5% in the year after our inception,” according to the release. Details: PBICVR, (870) 730-1131.
Russ group slates Unity Festival
The Carnell Russ Foundation will celebrate the 11th annual Community Unity Festival in Star City Sept. 28-29. The festival began in 2011 and promotes unity among diverse communities in southeast Arkansas.
The event also honors Carnell Russ’s life and legacy, as a resident of Southeast Arkansas. Russ died while in the custody of law enforcement years ago, according to a news release.
“The festival will showcase cultural diversity, promote harmony in community relationships, and raise awareness of a little known 53-year-old Arkansas historical fact that took place in Star City, Arkansas,” according to a spokesman, referring to Russ’ death.
The 2024 festival itinerary includes:
SEPT. 28
9 a.m. Parade Line-up at Bradley and Jefferson streets followed by the parade at 10 a.m. parade from Bradley and Arkansas streets to the civic center.
Festival activities are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Community Unity Festival Center. Activities include welcome – Mayor Paul Carter; ROTC presentation; panel discussion topics include Health Trends for Healthy Communities and the pros and cons of weight loss drugs. Entertainment will be by Stewart Pearson.
Trending topics will include Law Enforcement and Communities and Building Community Wealth.
The day also features an art parade, Arkansas educator legend Nora Turner Briggs, an auction and events featuring youth such as a skit and activities such as games and jump houses. Health screenings and vaccines will be available.
SEPT. 29
The grand finale will feature a Gospel Concert from 4-6 p.m. with featured artists including Shana Robinson and the Star City High School Choir Ensemble. The concert costs $10.
Vendors are welcome. Details: www.carnellrussfoundation.com or text (501) 541-3732 or (501) 350-1791 or email unityfest3@yahoo.com.