400 Years of African American History
The 400 Years of African American History Commission (400 YAAHC) Award, known as the Distinguished 400 Award, is a prestigious recognition designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through non-profit work, philanthropy, public service, and volunteerism. The award specifically aims to acknowledge those who have positively impacted underserved populations, highlighting the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history
The main focus of the 400 YAAHC Award revolves around celebrating and recognizing the resilience, achievements, and contributions of African Americans, particularly those who have served their communities in meaningful ways. This aligns with the broader mission of the 400 Years of African American History Commission, which is to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619. The Commission seeks to recognize the resilience and contributions of African Americans from that seminal moment forward, while also acknowledging the painful impact of slavery, racial discrimination, and racism on the United States
Original "KingFest" Celebration
The Original "KingFest" in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a deeply rooted celebration that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual event, which is the oldest Martin Luther King celebration in the city, marks a time of reflection, community, and action in the spirit of the civil rights leader's enduring message of equality, justice, and peace
The 39th annual Original King Fest, as reported in 2023, exemplifies the community's commitment to keeping Dr. King's dream alive through a series of events that not only commemorate his life but also encourage the practice of his ideals. The festival includes a parade where leaders and community members come together to march in solidarity, reflecting on the strides made towards civil rights and the work that still lies ahead.
Pastors on Patrol
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a transformative initiative known as Pastors on Patrol, led by the Pine Bluff Faith Community Coalition Ministerial Alliance, has been making significant strides in addressing youth violence within school districts. This faith-based leadership group, under the guidance of Rev. Jesse Turner, has garnered national attention for its innovative approach to fostering safer school environments and building positive relationships within the community
"Let Me Read You Your Rights"
The "Let Me Read You Your Rights" program in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is an initiative that aims to enhance civic literacy among students and community members. This program is part of a broader campaign that begins with a commitment on Justice Sunday, starts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and continues through Read Across America Day. The campaign is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and values that are foundational to a democratic society
Coffee With The Chiefs
"Coffee With The Chiefs" in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is a community engagement program hosted by the Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. (PBICVR). The purpose of this initiative is to foster open communication and build stronger relationships between the community members and local law enforcement officials, including police chiefs and other public safety leaders
Held regularly, these meetings provide a casual, accessible environment where residents can meet with law enforcement and public safety officials over coffee. This setting encourages open dialogue, allowing community members to voice their concerns, ask questions, and learn more about the efforts being made to ensure their safety. It also offers law enforcement officials a valuable opportunity to understand the community's perspectives, share updates on public safety initiatives, and discuss strategies for crime prevention and community policing
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PBICVR "Pen or Pencil" Program
The "Pen or Pencil" (POP) Program, spearheaded by the Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. (PBICVR), is a transformative initiative aimed at mentoring youth in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This program is part of PBICVR's broader mission to improve the quality of life for all citizens, with a special focus on the youth. The Pen or Pencil name symbolizes a critical choice facing young people: the "Pen" represents the penitentiary, and the "Pencil" represents education, emphasizing the importance of making positive life choices.
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Woodson Center Activities
The Woodson Center, originally known as The Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, was founded in 1981 by Robert L. Woodson, Sr. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering community-based leaders to address the problems within their neighborhoods, particularly in low-income areas. The Center's mission is to promote solutions that reduce crime and violence, restore families, revitalize underserved communities, and assist in the creation of economic enterprise
The curriculum is part of the Woodson Center's broader efforts to empower individuals to become agents of their own uplift and transformation. By focusing on black history and character, the Center leads a movement to help tens of millions of Americans embrace the original ideals and values upon which the country was founded. This includes initiatives like 1776 Unites, which seeks to reclaim and defend the true narrative of America's founding and its promise of liberty and equality for all
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We congratulate the winners of the P.B.I.S. activity
PBICVR and supporting partners, United Way of Southeast Arkansas and Pine Bluff Faith Community Ministerial Alliance. We congratulate the winners of the P.B.I.S. activity. Drum roll please for the 34th Elementary School Scholars, Principals, Teachers, and staff!! The winners reduced negative behaviors on their campus for the first "B.U.S. Boycott of Negative Behaviors Challenge."
Pictured L to R: Pastors on Patrol - Alexander D. Watkins Sr., Jesse C. Turner, 34th Elementary School Principal Claudette White, R. Lamont Davis, James Hill Jr., and Leon Jones Sr.
Pictured L to R: Pastors on Patrol - Alexander D. Watkins Sr., Jesse C. Turner, 34th Elementary School Principal Claudette White, R. Lamont Davis, James Hill Jr., and Leon Jones Sr.