STAR CITY — The Carnell Russ Foundation recognized former Gould Mayor Essie Dale-Cableton as the 2025 Community Spotlight Honoree during this year’s Community Unity Festival.
Cableton has been a dedicated community activist since 1960, working at the forefront of the desegregation and integration of Arkansas public schools. Alongside her husband, Robert Cableton, she co-organized the Southeast Arkansas chapter of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Gould, where she served as secretary.
The Cabletons opened their home to leaders and activists who shaped the Civil Rights Movement, including Julian Bond, founder of SNCC; William “Bill” Hanson, community activist; Laura Forner, organizer; attorney John Walker; Judge George Howard; Carrie Dilworth, community activist; Pastor Hunter Ross of Chapel Church; Hunter Bynum, SNCC member; and many others.
“Now at 84, Mrs. Cableton continues to inspire the community with her lifelong dedication to justice, leadership, and unity,” a news release reads.
The festival also featured special performances by the Mount Nebo Youth in Action, Curtis Smith and gospel recording artists Joe & The Spiritual Disciples.
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Vendors included: Paper-Pie Book; Tiffani Goodwin, author of “Who is She” and “Murdered by Suicide”; Passion for Fashion USA; Introverted Baddiee; Carnell Russ Chapter of the NAACP 6004; Sans Sweets; Southeast Arkansas College; Arkansas Minority Health; Primerica; and UAMS.
Presentations were delivered by: Monte Payne, on Narcan use; Kenya Eddings, on Minority Committee health trends; Rachel Will, on mammograms and prostate screening; Pamela Powell, on community and personal wealth; Dr. John Kirk, on the legacy of Carnell Russ; and Sgt. Albert Morgan Jr., a Bronze Star recipient who fought in the Vietnam War and is to be inducted in the Arkansas Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame.
The Carnell Russ Foundation also gave thanks to all festival volunteers, the Warren High School ROTC who served as the event’s color guard, and the Star City High School volunteers.
According to a news release, the Carnell Russ Foundation is committed to preserving the legacy of Carnell Russ by advancing community unity, honoring history and empowering future generations through education, celebration and service.
Details: carnellrussfoundation.com.