Events

Over 100 people, including Mayor Frank Scott Jr., numerous local dignitaries, family members, and friends, gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the late James R. Rodgers Sr., former Executive Director of Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (1980-1993) and the first African American Executive Director of a U.S. airport. The dedication was held on June 18, 2025.

The Pine Bluff AI Summit, hosted by ReMix Ideas in partnership with the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce, explored how AI-driven solutions enhance marketing strategies, streamline operations, and unlock new opportunities for scalability and efficiency.

The Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association held its fourth annual Florence Price Garden Party & Derby Hat Celebration on April 13. The celebration was held in observance of Price’s April 9 birthday, proclaimed by former Gov. Asa Hutchinson in 2021 as Florence Price Day.
Price (1887-1953), a Little Rock native became, in 1933, the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra when the Chicago Symphony Orchestra played her Symphony No. 1 in e minor.

This year’s expo featured more than 100 exhibits of cultural showcases, mid-south businesses, health screening, youth education resources, ACT prep, live entertainment, fashion, food and more.

Arkansas Black Vitality hosted its first “Cover Release Party” on Aug. 16, 2024, at Gigi’s Lounge in the downtown SOMA District. The “SNYHERGY” cover concept highlighted three premier Central Arkansas real estate brokers, Keisha Walker, Monica Hale and Shannon Smith.  

The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF) on June 13 hosted Starshine Story Slam at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock’s River Market district. The event brought together thought-provoking stories from leaders and changemakers committed to the long game of movement-building and narrative change.

One of Arkansas’s biggest annual fashion galas, sponsored by the Timmons Foundation, was held on April 20 at The Venue at Westwind. The Preview showcased the latest trends and designs in the fashion world, allowing talented local and national designers to present their unique collections and provide a sneak peek into the future of fashion. The Timmons Arts Foundation is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting and highlighting the importance of the arts, as well as supporting arts programs in local schools and youth organizations. To view all the photos or download photos from this event, go to ArkansasBlackVitality.com.