Anti-crime initiative to be announced
An independent civic organization from across Jefferson County will announce a community anti-crime initiative, according to a news release.
United Citizens of Pine Bluff and other civic and civil rights organizations will host a news conference at 11 a.m. Thursday in front of the Pine Bluff City Hall to address and combat the continuing crime and violence in Pine Bluff.
“The grassroots campaign begins with a survey of current attitudes and perceptions about crime in Pine Bluff. Armed with this data, the civic and community groups will make recommendations for solutions that are broad-based and community oriented,” according to the release.
The organizers seek policy change.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The civic groups are initiating a grassroots survey to accurately address crime and the misperception of crime that is hampering the growth and development of Pine Bluff, Jefferson County. The civic groups are demanding a smart on crime approach to violent crime, gang activity and community policing for Pine Bluff,” according to the release.
Prison system to begin vaccinating
The Arkansas Department of Corrections is scheduled to conduct its first round of covid-19 immunizations beginning this week. Arkansas Corrections Secretary Solomon Graves will hold a media availability session at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Richard Lee Richardson Auditorium at North Little Rock. Employees from the Division of Correction and from Wellpath, the department’s contracted medical provider, will receive the covid-19 vaccine and discuss how the pandemic has impacted their lives personally and professionally.
TOPPS to give away food Jan. 12
TOPPS Inc., a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, will hand out food boxes in a drive-thru session at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, at TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive.
The food will be given away on a first come, first served method. One box will be given per household, and no more than two boxes will be placed in a vehicle, according to a news release.
Food boxes are distributed monthly. Sponsors include Pine Bluff Police Department, Canaan Christian Center, Kings Highway Baptist Church, Arkansas Hunger Alliance, Arkansas Food Bank, Southeast Male Chorus, TOPPS and TOPPS’ donors and volunteers from AARP and Tyson.
NAACP to hold Zoom meeting Jan. 14
The Pine Bluff Branch of the NAACP will hold its regular monthly membership meeting via Zoom at 6 p.m. Jan. 14. If the branch has valid email addresses for NAACP members, they will be emailed the Zoom link to join the meeting. Others wishing to attend may email pbnaacp@yahoo.com for the Zoom link. Details: NAACP Branch President Wanda V. Neal, (870) 536-3141.
UAPB alumni officers include locals
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association recently held elections for executive officers and board of directors.
Locals on the board include President-elect Kymara Seals, who is president of the Ashley County Alumni Chapter at Crossett. The association’s previous announcement incorrectly said Seals was with the Pine Bluff/Jefferson chapter.
Another local board member is Janice Roberts of the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Alumni Chapter, and she was named the national group’s first vice president. Their terms began Jan. 1.