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‘Juneteenth Arkansas’ preparing for second annual festival

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‘Juneteenth Arkansas’ preparing for second annual festival


Juneteenth Arkansas held their inaugural pageant final yr because it formally turned a federal vacation. Now, they’re hoping to go larger and higher this yr.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark — Final yr, Juneteenth formally turned a federal vacation that is celebrated by all.

In consequence, it was additionally the primary yr that Juneteenth Arkansas held their pageant occasion at Interstate Park. Now for his or her second yr, founder Ebony Kimbrough stated organizers are aiming to make it larger and higher.

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She stated that this occasion happened by means of a collection of conversations amongst members of the neighborhood.

“It form of makes me a little bit teary-eyed as a result of it actually was only a dialog that began on Fb like, ‘Hey guys what are we going to do for Juneteenth’ and this was final yr,” stated Kimbrough.

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She stated final yr that they had 5,000 individuals in attendance. This yr, they’re anticipating double.

One other distinction this yr? They’re going to be giving out scholarships to native college students.

As for the specifics of the occasion, it is set to happen on Saturday, June 18 with a parade from 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., which is able to begin on twelfth Road and Broadway earlier than touring to Interstate Park the place the pageant will start.

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Kimbrough stated the occasion will function actions resembling horse again driving, amusement rides, mountain climbing, and face portray. They stated there will even be quite a few Black distributors who’ll be promoting services for these in attendance. 

Having these enterprise house owners and meals distributors was key for Kimbrough in ensuring that cash flows all through the African American neighborhood on account of the occasion.  

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Though the vacation has change into a federal one, she needs to make it some extent to maintain it cultural. 

“The occasion is for everyone. Juneteenth is inclusive, however the Black greenback circulates within the Black neighborhood for six hours,” stated Kimbrough.

She additionally spoke on the notion that African American’s do not spend inside their very own neighborhood.

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The statistics have been argued for many years, however the wealth hole within the Black neighborhood remains to be obvious based on Kimbrough, who research finance.

“We try to shut that wealth hole. It clicked in my head that we as an African American neighborhood, we have to be sure that we’re creating income and that we’re buying with each other,” stated Kimbrough.

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The vacation acquired its identify by combining June and 19– the day and month that signified freedom. The day can be known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day,” or “Emancipation Day.”

As for the Juneteenth Arkansas Pageant, those that have an interest can go to 3900 S. Arch Road in Little Rock on June 18 to participate within the festivities.

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Arkansas

Arkansas basketball drops back out of AP Top 25

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Arkansas basketball drops back out of AP Top 25


The Arkansas Razorbacks (11-3, 0-1 SEC) fell back out of the AP College Basketball Top 25 on Monday.

The drop out of the rankings comes after Arkansas split its games last week. The Hogs took a 92-62 win over Oakland to finish the non-conference slate, but were thrashed 76-52 on the road by No. 1 Tennessee on Saturday to open conference play.

The Razorbacks did, however, receive the second-most votes of unranked teams.

This week isn’t much easier for the Hogs, who will face two teams ranked in the Top 25, though the two games come at home. No. 23 Ole Miss comes to Fayetteville on Wednesday and the Hogs will face No. 8 Florida on Saturday.

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All told, there are nine SEC teams in the AP Poll: No. 1 Tennessee, No. 2 Auburn, No. 5 Alabama, No. 6 Kentucky, No. 8 Florida, No. 10 Texas A&M, No. 14 Mississippi State, No. 17 Oklahoma and No. 23 Ole Miss.

According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Razorbacks rank 40th overall (12.5 BPI, 11th in SEC) with a 5.6 offensive and 7.0 defensive rating. Arkansas is projected to finish with an 18.8-12.2 (7.8-10.2 SEC) overall record and it has a 0.2% chance to win the SEC.

Despite the blowout loss on Saturday, Arkansas’ NET ranking actually improved one spot from last Monday. The Razorbacks sit at No. 40, up from No. 43 last week. The Hogs are 1-3 in Quad 1 games, 1-0 in Quad 2, 2-0 in Quad 3 and 7-0 in Quad 4.

Here is the full AP Top 25 from Monday:



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3 area athletes, 1 coach selected for All-Arkansas Preps football team

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3 area athletes, 1 coach selected for All-Arkansas Preps football team


The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has announced its All-Arkansas Preps football team, and the Twin Lakes Area is being represented by three athletes and a coach. Salem junior defensive lineman Keagan Sanderson was named to the first team. According



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Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Directors to appoint assistant mayor, consider runway project | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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Texarkana, Arkansas, Board of Directors to appoint assistant mayor, consider runway project | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


TEXARKANA, Ark. — A long-serving city leader will be installed as assistant mayor Monday at the Board of Directors’ first regular meeting of 2025.

Ward 2 Director Laney Harris will take the oath of office in line with a 2023 ordinance that lays out the order directors are appointed to the one-year term of assistant mayor.

The rotation, which began in 2023, is Ward 1, Ward 6, Ward 2, Ward 4, Ward 5 and Ward 3.

Ward 6 Director Jeff Hart, who did not seek reelection in November, was the assistant mayor in 2024.

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Harris represented Ward 2 for two terms until 2005 and has been re-elected every four years since 2008.

In other business, the board will consider a resolution authorizing Airport Executive Director Paul Mehrlich to enter a contract with McClelland Engineering for a runway strengthening project at Texarkana Regional Airport. The project is for the 6,602-foot asphalt runway designated as 4-22.

McClelland has given a cost of $502,203.20 for engineering and design. The state of Arkansas will cover $451,982.88 of the fee, with the city of Texarkana, Arkansas, absorbing $22,503.73. The city of Texarkana, Texas, will be left with the remaining $27,716.59.

The two Texarkanas jointly own the airport.

The Arkansas side’s share of the expense was part of its budget for fiscal year 2024, according to meeting documents.

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In August 2024, the Arkansas Legislative Council approved $16.7 million for upgrades at the nearly 100-year-old airfield.

“The infrastructure improvements will include the expansion of the runway and taxiways that will enable the airport to take on cargo and maintenance repair overhaul work. The improvements will also equip the airport to support larger aircraft, including the Boeing 777,” according to a news release.

The Board of Directors meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 216 Walnut St.



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