The KKAC Organization, its Heirs’ Property Clearinghouse, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are partnering on two events to take place this week.
A pre-conference film screening of “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Ground” is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. today at the S.J. Parker 1890 Extension Complex-S.A. Haley Auditorium, 2300 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. The documentary features Arkansas landowners, students from UAPB, local rice mill owner P.J. Haynie III and Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson.
The John Deere and Al Roker-produced film focuses on the land loss suffered by generations of Black landowners due to years of discrimination, while showing how landowners are reclaiming control of their land and cultural legacy, according to a news release. All members of the public are invited to attend the screening, and refreshments will be provided.
The KKAC Organization and UAPB are also partnering with Arkansas Access to Justice Commission, Center for Arkansas Legal Services, Legal Aid of Arkansas, the UALR Black Law Students Association, UALR Business Innovation Clinic and Arkansas Appleseed to host a wills clinic at the 65th annual Rural Life Conference, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the HPER Complex, 1204 L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. Members of the public can consult with an attorney about their heirs’ property taxes.
Attorneys will also be available to prepare wills and beneficiary deeds for participants free of charge.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The conference is free to producers, students, veterans, homemakers and retirees. The conference will feature more than 20 workshops, more than 50 exhibits and vendor booths. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with an opportunity to win door prizes. Virtual participation options are available for those unable to attend in person.
This year’s conference theme is “Legacy Opportunities for Community Service and Outreach — Connecting, Collaboration and Commitment,” and the need to proactively preserve legacy is echoed by KKAC Executive Director Wilbur Peer.
“Black landowners have managed to lose more than $325 billion in wealth,” Peer said in the news release. “A big part of that is discriminatory practices, but it’s also because we don’t do proper estate planning.”
To this end, the KKAC Heirs’ Property Clearinghouse assists historically underserved and minority populations, notably the African American community, in resolving heirs’ property issues and conducting proper estate planning.
The KKAC Heirs’ Property Clearinghouse can be reached at hpc@kkac.org or (501) 500-3353. Questions regarding Heirs’ Property for UAPB can be answered by reaching Kandi Williams at williamska@uapb.edu or (870) 571-9428.