pine bluff icvr, inc.
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HISTORY OF PINE BLUFF INTERESTED CITIZENS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION, INC.

           
The Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, Inc. (PBICVR) was established in 1967 by nine local African Americans two years following the 1965 Voting Rights Act. During the fifty-one-year history of the organization it has brought positive state and national recognition to the city of Pine Bluff as a result of our work and community service. The USA Weekend Magazine, New York Times, JET Magazine, the Associated Press, and the Department of Justice Weed and Seed Publications, have all captured and published the work of PBICVR. Collaborating with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, PBICVR, Inc. has returned millions of dollars back into the pockets of low-income families through free income tax preparation. The organization continues its work with youngsters through the PEN OR PENCIL National Transformation Initiative, PBICVR Respect for Life Conflict Resolutions and Anti-bullying initiatives; Drug and Violence Prevention for youngsters are on-going programs of PBICVR, Inc. The organization’s work with the federally funded Weed and Seed Program has been recognized as one of fifty best collaborations in America by the National Crime Prevention Council in Washington DC along with Faith and Service Technical Network (FASTEN), and was featured in a document called, Faith Community and Criminal Justice Collaboration, a project funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. PBICVR, Inc. has also been featured in the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) publication called, “The CADCA Strategizer 47.”
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Over the years the organization has provided scholarships for graduating high school seniors, established a food pantry, provided computer labs for seniors, adults and children. Offered math tutoring for students and their parents, essay/writing contest for students in grades 4th – 9th. In 1987 the PBICVR, Inc. established the PBICVR King Team Community Service Program for youngster ages 8 to 18 who commit to working with family, staying drug-free, graduating from high school. In 2006 the organization began sustaining many of the U.S. Department of Justice Weed and Seed Programs activities, i.e., Coffee with the Chiefs, Prevention and Intervention activities aimed at crime reduction in the community, as well as the computer lab for seniors, adults and youth.

The organization spearheaded efforts to bring the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Youth Assembly to Pine Bluff in 1998, spearheaded the naming of. the first monument in Arkansas to honor Coretta Scott King, wife of slain Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Organizers of PBICVR Original KingFest Celebration thirty-five years ago, the largest interracial celebration for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, the biggest event in Arkansas which promotes community service in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. PBICVR, Inc. also organized the first interracial event in the Arkansas which brought together Jews, Muslims, Christians, Blacks and Whites in celebration of the Original KingFest Week in January 2002, immediately following September 11, 2001. The Original KingFest events have attracted more than 75,000 participants during the past 35 years.
 
PBICVR, Inc provided the leadership to name the first section of Arkansas Interstate (I-530) in honor of the late Pine Bluff native and Civil Rights Attorney, Wiley Austin Branton, Sr. The Wiley A. Branton, Sr. Memorial Highway, the construction cost $100 million. PBICVR spearheaded the effort to resurface University Drive/Highway 79B in front of the (HBCU) University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff beginning at Pullen Avenue and north to UAPB's football stadium; the cost of this project was $6.2 million.
 
PBICVR, Inc. provided the leadership to name the first Administration Building in the Pine Bluff School District in honor of M.D. Jordan and R.N. Chanay, two local African American Educators. Led efforts to name “The W.T. Cheney Elementary School” the first local African American educator to receive this honor in Pine Bluff Schools District.
 
Established the “PBICVR Respect for Life Campaign” in 1997 to reduce homicides in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County specifically among African Americans. Provides nonpartisan voter registration and education. The organization launched the first “Youth Business Opportunities Expo” in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County and established the Kevin Edwards Scholarship Foundation at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. In 1999 PBICVR led “Operation Relief” to help families in the Sherrill community following tornadoes which destroyed homes and property. The PBICVR, Inc. organized King Teams from around the state and travel to Dumas, Arkansas to help with a community cleanup project after the city was hit by a tornado.
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PBICVR, Inc. collaborates with the U.S. Department of the Interior National Parks Service Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the National Alliance of Faith and Justice, National CARES Mentoring Movement, Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Circuit Court Sixth Division, Pine Bluff, Dollarway, Watson Chapel and White Hall School Districts on PEN OR PENCIL Projects. In 2010 the organization began recruiting mentors to assist other youth serving organizations in Pine Bluff Jefferson County as PBICVR CARES Mentoring Affiliate. 


​RESUME
Jesse C. Turner
Pine Bluff, AR 71601

EDUCATION

2010 Graduate Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, New Hampshire
Master of Science Degree Community Economic Development
1965-1968 Attended AM&N College/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Major in Mathematics; Minor in Business Administration
Southeast High School, Pine Bluff - Indiana Street Elementary School, Pine Bluff
Work Experience
2012–Present Project Director National Alliance of Faith and Justice PEN OR PENCIL Initiative
2000-2012 U. S. Department of Justice Weed and Seed Program Coordinator
1968-1990 Cotton Belt Railroad, Pine Bluff, AR-Journeyman Electrician
1976-1977 Served as Mechanical Department Supervisor Cotton Belt Railroad
1981-1983 Pastor Union Grove Baptist Church, Gould, AR
1995-Present Pastor The Historic Elm Grove Baptist Church, Pine Bluff, AR
1986-Present Executive Director Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, Inc., Pine Bluff, AR
Community Involvement and Investment
Thirty years of community building experience; over a decade of crime prevention experience and training
2018 organized two-thousand students from all Pine Bluff School Districts in Community Marches and Assemblies calling for an end to community Gun Violence and Bullying on school campuses
Participated as member of research Study group with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems, Inc., to address asthma disparities, among the economically disadvantaged and minority population in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County
Organized the Original PBICVR KINGFEST Celebration for Pine Bluff and Jefferson County honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Organized PBICVR Coffee with the Chiefs in Pine Bluff for Faith and Law Enforcement
2012 Organized Adopt A Grandparent Project
2004 Organized Y.E.S. Youth Empowerment Strategies
Spearheaded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Assembly in Pine Bluff in 1998. The fortieth year after Dr. King visited AM&N campus, now UAPB, to give the 1958 commencement address. The Youth Assembly generated approximately $400, 000 for the Pine Bluff economy
Spearheaded efforts to name a 140-acre park in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Organized and named the first monument in Arkansas in honor of Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Spearheaded efforts in 2003 to secure $3.2 million U. S. Transportation dollars to resurface University Drive/Highway 79 North, total project cost $6.7 million dollars
Led Efforts to name the southern by-pass in honor of the late Pine Bluff native and Civil Rights Attorney Wiley Austin Branton, Sr., the cost of the memorial - $100 million dollars. The Branton Interstate Highway is a first in Arkansas to honor an African American
Led the efforts to bring the US Department of Justice “Weed & Seed Crime Strategy” to Pine Bluff resulting in Pine Bluff receiving approximately $8 million dollars in funds and services
Organized the PBICVR Distinguish Service Awards Community Program to recognize Pine Bluff Law Enforcement, Firemen, Residents and Citizens for good deeds done in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County.
Recognized for Weed and Seed work as one of fifty best collaborations in America by the National Crime Prevention
Council in Washington DC along with Faith and Service Technical Network (FASTEN) the collaboration featured
Weed and Seed/PBICVR, Inc. in a document called, Faith Community and Criminal Justice Collaboration; a project
funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, and featured in the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) “The
CADCA Strategizer 47.”
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs selected him as one of only a few Weed and Seed Site
Coordinators to attend leadership training at the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America [CADCA] Leadership
Forum in Oxen Hills, Maryland in 2010.
The Justice Research and Statistics Association (JRSA) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) invited him to
Washington, DC to evaluate the National Weed and Seed Strategy.
Led efforts in 1997 to establish the PBICVR “Respect for Life Campaign” to reduce homicides in Pine Bluff and
Jefferson County, specifically among African Americans which resulted in a homicide free summer featured in the
New York Times newspaper and the USA today Magazine
Organized the relocation of the only WWII Monument in Arkansas which recognize African Americans WWII Veterans
Spearheaded effort to name the first Pine Bluff School District Administration building in honor of M. D. Jordan and R.
N. Chanay, two local African American educators.
Shepherd legislation through the Arkansas State House and Senate to reduce the use of Nitrous-Oxide for street
racing. The Bill is called "The Nitrous-Oxide Prohibition Act" or “Eric's Law” named in in honor of my nephew Eric
Lamont Turner.
Led efforts to name a school in honor of W. T. Cheney, the first local African American principal in the Pine Bluff
School District to receive this honor
Spearheaded the establishment of Pine Bluff PEN OR PENCIL, an affiliate with the National Alliance of Faith and
Justice. www.penorpencilmovement.org
Established Pine Bluff CARES Mentoring Movement in Pine Bluff in association with the National CARES Mentoring.
www.caresmentoring.org
Spearheaded efforts in the Pine Bluff School District to allow teachers and personnel to be off for the Martin Luther
King, Jr. Holiday
Established the PBICVR King Team in Pine Bluff, (youth between the ages of 12-19), who pledge to be drug free,
nonviolent, and commit to community service work
Led a successful effort to change the way Pine Bluff, Dollarway, and Watson Chapel elect School Board Members,
resulting in more African Americans being elected to serve on School Boards
Spearheaded efforts to change City Council election from at-large to Wards election which resulted in more African
representation on Pine Bluff City Council
1987 led successful boycott against Pine Bluff Commercial, the largest newspaper in Southeast Arkansas, aimed at
hiring more African American Reporters and fairer news coverage for the black community and UAPB. The Boycott
was the catalyst for the Journalism Program, the Radio Station (UAPB 89.7 FM) and TV24 Television Station
NOTABLES
2020 Appointed to the Federal 400 Years of African American History Commission Faith and Justice Subcommittee,
serves as Chairman of Faith Component
Board Member Emergency Food and Shelter Federal Program
Board of Visitors University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
President of Pine Bluff Faith Community Coalition Ministerial Alliance
Board Member Go Forward Pine Bluff, Inc.
Member Woodson Center – Community Affiliate Network (CAN)
Member of Justice Sunday National Steering Committee
2003 Served on the National Task Force on Black Church and Ministry to High Risk Youth 
2003 Honorary Co-chairman of the President’s Dinner Honoring President George W. Bush, invited by President
George and Barbara Bush
Led Tour of Pine Bluff for President George H.W. Bush [view at] https://www.c-span.org/video/?32583-1/republicanwalking-
tour-pine-bluff
Former Vice President Community Enterprises Development Corporation
Former member of Pine Bluff Jefferson County Equal Opportunity Commission, Inc.
Former member UAPB NCA/Higher Learning Commission Steering Committee
Former Chairman Quality Education Committee PBHS
Former Board of Trustees Southeast Arkansas College
Former Board of Directors Volunteer in Public Schools
Former Board of Director Pine Bluff Boys & Girls Club
Former Member Racial Disparities in Arkansas Criminal Justice Steering Committee Former Member Pine Bluff
Former Community Housing Resource Board - Former Member Parents as Teachers Advisory Committee
AWARDS
2019 Received Distinguish 400 Award from the Federal 400 Years of African American History Commission *The first
ever in Arkansas to receive this prestigious Award
2019 Work with African Americans Recognized in Congressional Record U.S. House of Representatives
2018 (October) Received the Spirit of Elijah Award from New Saint Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church
2018 (April) Received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Innovation Service Award from the U.S. Department
of Education Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, in collaboration with the White House’s
Initiative for Educational Excellence for African-Americans for performing extraordinary everyday acts of service
focusing on innovative approaches serving students
2013 Received the Drum Major for Service Award from Corporation for National and Community Service in
Washington DC in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a signed letter from former President Barrack Obama
2015 The Rev. Jesse C. Turner Good Citizen Award National Alliance of Faith and Justice, a national award which
recognize community service
2013 Mary Church Terrell Award for Civil Rights
2013 Corporation for National and Community Service President’s Volunteer of the Year Award
2009 Corporation for National and Community Service President’s Volunteer of the Year Award
2006 Recipient of the first United States Attorney, Eastern District of Arkansas, Coin of Excellence Award
2006 Governor Mike Huckabee Certificate of Recognition in Public Service
2005-2006 Humanitarian of the Year Award, KAPPA Alpha Psi, Inc. Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter
2003 Served on the National Task Force on the Black Church and Ministry to High Risk Youth with the National
Religious Affairs Association of Black in Criminal Justice
2003 Honorary Co-chair for Republican of the President’s Dinner Honoring President George W. Bush; invited by
George H.W. and Barbara Bush
2002 Boys and Girls Club of America, Alumni Association of Jefferson County, Outstanding Contribution Award
1990 Recipient of the Arkansas Education Association Award for Civil Rights
1987 Recipient of the first NAACP Dove Award, highest honor given by Pine Bluff Branch
1985 Distinguish Achievement Award Recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1984 William Townsend Lodge Outstanding Citizen Award
1984 Certificate of Recognition of the United states Army Materiel Command Pine Bluff Arsenal
 
OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND WORK WITH

Arkansas -Governor Mike Huckabee, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton former Secretary of State, Governor Asa
Hutchinson, Arkansas Senators Dale Bumpers, Blanche L. Lincoln, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Tim
Hutchinson, Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, U.S. Representatives Beryl Anthony, Jay W.
Dickey, Jr. Bruce Westerman, French Hill, Virginia’s first African American Governor Douglas L. Wilder,
Governor Ralph Northan, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, Coretta Scott King, Rev. Jesse Jackson,
Ambassador and Mayor Andrew Young, Henry Hearns, first African American Mayor of Lancaster
California, Bernard LaFayette Jr. organizer of voter registration in Selma Alabama, as well as planner of the
March from Selma to Montgomery (Bloody Sunday) Shirley Chisholm the first black woman elected to the
United States Congress, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, and the
first woman to appear in a United States presidential debate. Addie L. Richburg, President of National
Alliance of Faith and Justice the first executive director for the Federal 400 Years of African American
History Commission in Washington, DC,, Susan L. Taylor, Founder National CARES Mentoring in New
York, Harry Belafonte, Wiley A. Branton, Sr., Rev. E. V. Hill, one of the nation’s most powerful evangelist.
Tim Scott, first elected African American U.S. Senator in South Carolina, Michael Steele, first African
American Chairman of the National Republican Committee, Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of U.S. House
of Representatives; Chester Hynes, first African American to serve on City Council in Pine Bluff, Leslie
Rutledge, Arkansas’ Attorney General among others.
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