KingFest thanks
Editor, The Commercial:
PBICVR Inc. sincerely thanks the Original KingFest MLK Executive Committee for the hard work done to make the 41st OKFC the best.
On behalf of the Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. and its board of directors, I thank our sponsors: the Woodson Center, the National Alliance of Faith and Justice and the United Way of Southeast Arkansas.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
We extend our thanks to Mayor Vivian L. Flowers, the PEN OR PENCIL King Team Alumni, including Kortne Newby, Dr. Joey J. Gardner, William Fells III, Jordan Sims and Jade Sanders.
We appreciate the talented Inaugural Celebration Choir and its director, Bessie Smith-Lancelin.
Our gratitude also goes to the city of Pine Bluff, the Pine Bluff Police and Fire Departments, Waste Management, Paradise Funeral Home, Being Brother for Kids (BBFK) Mentoring, and Friendship Aspire Academy PCS, Queen Kaylee Aleah Bell, particularly Makiyah Mustiful, singing of the National Anthem and Rev. Tavante Calhoun, director of the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson County.
Thanks also goes to PBHS Scholar-athletes Danny Johnson and Caden Bullard for the song “Glory.” The Southeast Panthers Historical Society LLC; Pine Bluff High School JROTC; the PBHS Queen, Debra Rauls; Watson Chapel High School JROTC; and WCHS Queen, Trinity Mitchner.
The Pine Bluff Convention Center and the 400 scholars participating in the Birthday Bash at Watson Chapel Junior High School. The UAPB Queen Freddie Mae Thompson and King Joshua King.
A special thanks to Dr. Marvell Williams and the congregation of the First Missionary Baptist Church for opening their doors, for Justice Sunday as well as Rev. Larry Walker. Arkansas State, County and City leaders for attending the Justice Sunday Program, and thank you Pastors Larry C. Battle, Matt Mosler, Kirby Gulley and Rev. Mark Stephen program participants.
Thanks also goes to the OKFC Parade/Marade Directors Pelida Norris, Angela Johnson and Lanivia Morris. Thanks to Tyson Foods, Inc., for the food, and LaMarcus Nowden Jr. and Sr. for providing the cooking.
We thank Friendship Aspire Academy PCS Avery Martin, Mistress of Ceremony for leading the PBICVR PEN OR PENCIL Education Youth Program, as well as the youth and adults who filled the Pine Bluff City Council Chambers to capacity.
President Monica Bones, representing the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., sponsored the Poster Contest Awards.
Awards presented by Amanze Henderson and Deaquanita Lancelin to First Place Winner Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Second Place Winner, Pine Bluff Kappa League and 3rd Place Winner The Delta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Thank you Pine Bluff Commercial for your outstanding coverage of the historic OKFC event.
Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director,
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc.