By The Arkansas Black Vitality Staff

Jan. 19, 2026 — In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and looking ahead to Black History Month in February, Arkansas Black Vitality is launching a landmark series titled Black Women & The Economy: Empowering Change, Driving Growth, and Shaping the Future. This series moves beyond traditional storytelling to spotlight the formidable economic force of Black women, who are currently starting businesses at the fastest rate of any demographic in the United States.

From the burgeoning tech hubs of Northwest Arkansas to the historic entrepreneurial corridors of Little Rock, the series explores how Black women are not just participating in the economy—they are redefining it. Through data-driven analysis and personal narratives, Arkansas Black Vitality illustrates their role as primary breadwinners, community investors, and pioneers in the workforce.

By documenting this impact, the magazine aims to bridge the gap between systemic challenges and the undeniable success stories that are driving the state and the nation forward. This series serves as a roadmap for the future, proving that when Black women thrive, the entire economy gains momentum.

As part of our commitment to documenting the economic landscape for our community, Arkansas Black Vitality is proud to share these essential stories and resources. These pieces highlight both the systemic hurdles we face and the historic leadership milestones that are shaping the future of the American workforce.

Spotlight Stories & Resources

• Black Unemployment & The Fate of Black Women As we enter 2026, the Black unemployment rate has reached its highest level since the pandemic, with Black women bearing the brunt of job losses amid federal policy shifts. Our deep dive explores the local impact in Arkansas and the national trends affecting the labor pool.👉 Read the full report on Black Women & The Economy
• Latriece Watkins Named President & CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. A historic milestone for the state of Arkansas: McGehee native Latriece Watkins has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. Having started as a law student intern at Walmart in 1997, Watkins’s ascent to the C-suite is a testament to perseverance and vision.👉 Read the story of this historic appointment
• Essence Launches WeLoveUs.shop Platform In response to one of the toughest economic markets in decades, ESSENCE has unveiled a groundbreaking community commerce platform. WeLoveUs.shop is designed to provide Black women entrepreneurs with the retail infrastructure, cash flow, and visibility they need to scale and thrive.👉 Discover the platform and support Black-owned brands