JONESBORO, Ark. – The Arkansas State University Museum is not only a place where people can see parts of history, but also an educational resource for teachers, professors and students.
Many students spend four or more years at A-State without visiting the museum, missing a valuable interactive educational experience that could help them better understand what they learn in history classes. The museum focuses not only on Arkansas history, but also on preserving and showcasing the history of northeast Arkansas and the Delta region.
The museum serves as an informal learning environment, according to Elisabeth Engel, director of the A-State Museum.
“You don’t have to be here. It’s not like class,” Engel said. “So, you know, we value the people that come through because they’ve made an effort to come see us. We hope that they walk away feeling like that effort to brave campus, find a parking spot, and all of those kinds of things, in our particular environment, was well worth it.”
Students, faculty, staff and Jonesboro residents can visit the museum on their own or book a tour with Jill Kary, curator of education at the museum. For teachers and professors, the experience can be especially valuable.
Lillie Fears, professor and interim director in the School of Media and Journalism, brings her classes to the museum every semester to help students understand historical events in ways a textbook cannot.
“My favorite part about taking students to the museum is seeing their reactions when they see something old that we’ve talked about in class, or that is mentioned in our book or in a documentary. These types of experiences can allow them to step out of present-mindedness and to realize how the tools and technology they use in modern times evolved at different eras in U.S. and world history,” Fears said.
Many groups, Engel said, visit the museum with a specific purpose. For some groups, Engel pulls artifacts from storage and creates a “mini exhibit” tailored to their interests.
Fears prefers tours focused on communication history and artifacts, so Engel often brings out old newspapers, cameras and photographs for her students.
“I really appreciate how the director, Elisabeth Engel, is always willing to bring out old artifacts that pertain to mass communications and provide us with special lectures on the history of these media tools. A textbook or video could never do what she and Jill Kary, education coordinator, do for my classes,”
For some students, a focused tour helps them better understand what they have been learning in class.
“It made a lot of the concepts feel more real. In class, we talk about the history of media, but actually seeing the artifacts and examples in person helped me connect everything more clearly, especially how media has evolved and impacted society,” Kaysen Lomax, a junior creative media production major from Jonesboro, said.
For other students, seeing everything the museum offers gives them a perspective they otherwise might not have considered.
“Yes, I did thoroughly enjoy the tour Dr. Fears took us on. Seeing how passionate Jill Kary was about the black business district was inspirational. I enjoyed looking at all the old pictures of old businesses and equipment/technology, and find it crazy to see how much those things have changed,” Alexander Riggs, a junior creative media major from Forrest City, Arkansas, said.
While the museum serves as a tool for professors on campus, teachers in surrounding school districts also can use it as a resource.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas State University.
Traveling suitcase exhibits are smaller exhibits teachers can check out for two weeks at a time. They offer hands-on materials, visual aids and lesson plans for each exhibit. Teachers can choose from five options, including Pioneer Living, Portals of the Soul: Native American Culture, World War II on the Arkansas Homefront and more.
“All of them are linked to the educational standards that are dictated by the state,” Kary said.
Visitors can also explore the tinkering studio to test whether they have the same innovation skills as people on the Arkansas frontier.
“If the kids have been paying attention, in every gallery they’re seeing innovation happen,” Kary said. “So they are told to invent things, make something, and if it doesn’t work, tweak it, fix it.”
Learning does not just happen in the classroom; it can happen in many places, including the museum. And learning is not just for students. Anyone who visits the museum is welcome, whether for a specific purpose or simply for fun.
JONESBORO — The seventh annual Living Legends Awards will be held at Arkansas State University to honor five new recipients as well as honor two individuals posthumously.
The ceremony honors those who have enriched the community, excelled at their fields, and inspired younger generations.
This year, honorees include the following:
Dr. Jenifer Rice-Mason retired from A-State in 2020 after serving more than 40 years where she led the department of Access and Accommodation Services.
Dr. Wilbert Gaines, an emeritus professor of physical education, was one of the first Black professors on campus. During his tenure he taught countless numbers of students and helped guide them to success through his work in the classroom and with campus organizations.
Shamal C. Carter, has spent his career working in the non-profit sector, volunteering in the community, and serving on various boards to benefit Jonesboro residents.
Dr. Nikesha Nesbitt is dean of the University College at A-State. She is part of several committees on campus and in the community.
Jervonne Newsome is an A-State graduate who remains the highest-ranked moot court competitor in university history. She works as a partner at a law firm in Dallas.
Legacy Awards will be presented to the families of two late members of the community:
Rennell Woods was an A-State graduate and a longtime member of the Jonesboro community. He was a licensed minister and received numerous accolades due to his giving nature.
Tierre Hamilton, a 2005 A-State graduate, was part of Kappa Alpha Psi where he provided metorship and support for others. He was known for volunteering and being an active member of the community.
“Selections are made by a committee and are based not on the quantity of nominations but the quality of the submitted nominations. We deliberate on both the A-State influence and the impact the nominee has made on the community,” said Ian Buchanan, Living Legends committee chairman.
“This event shines light on those who may not get it elsewhere. It also shows students that the impact they make can be legendary in the future. We believe this honor and distinction help recognize the work and footprints that are sometimes not noticed or given their proper due,” Buchanan added.
This event is held in conjunction with events at A-State for Black History Month. The Multicultural Center oversees the month of activities with the assistance of campus employees and student organizations.
JONESBORO – Several events will occur on the Arkansas State University campus throughout February to mark Black History Month. The theme for the programs this year is “African Americans and Labor: Celebrating our Achievements.”
“My desire is to provide students with an opportunity to be empowered by the legacy of those who have come before them, connect with one another to build community, a chance to engage with the Northeast Arkansas community, alumni, and one another to build networks and enhance their sense of belonging to A-State,” said Dr. Carlitta Moore, vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement.
The month filled with programs kicks off at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, in Centennial Hall inside the Reng Student Union for a Night of the Arts.
Performers across campus and the community will showcase their talents, including the A-State National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Jonesboro High Steppers, Brittany Duke, Evolve: The Student Organization.
“These programs are thoughtfully designed to educate, inspire and foster a sense of unity. By attending, you’ll not only gain knowledge but also build meaningful relationships and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about valuing all,” said Trinity Haynes, education program coordinator of multicultural affairs.
From 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, the community is invited to the 18th annual Soul Food Dinner and Program. The dinner will occur at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries building, 115 North Caraway Road, hosted by the Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association. Following the meal, attendees can expect performances by singers and speakers.
Feb. 9 – 13 the Black Student Association will celebrate BSA Week with several events taking place each day of the week.
At 11 a.m. on Feb. 9, Sunday service from Word Baptist Church will occur inside the Reng Student Union Auditorium.
Get your dancing shoes ready, the public is invited to a line dancing class at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, inside Centennial Hall.
As part of BSA Week, the Black Business Expo will return to Centennial Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
At 6 p.m. on Feb. 13, the Black Student Association will wrap up BSA Week with a talent show inside Centennial Hall.
The events continue at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, with the Tour of Black Voices. Guest artist Anitra Jay will take attendees on a journey of Black history with captivating songs, videos and performances. This program will be presented by the Student Activities Board and will take place inside the student union auditorium.
The Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., welcomes the Northeast Arkansas community to “Democracy at Work: Your Role, Your Rights, Your Responsibility.”
The conversation explores the importance of civic engagement and the role each individual plays in democracy. Participants can learn about their rights and responsibilities as community members at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, in the student union auditorium.
The month of celebrations begins to wrap up at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, with the seventh annual Living Legends Awards inside Centennial Hall. Established in 2019, the ceremony honors A-State alumni and Northeast Arkansas community members who excel in their fields, enrich the community, and inspire future generations. This is a cocktail attire event.
“The Living Legends Ceremony holds a particularly special place in my heart. It’s an incredible opportunity to honor and celebrate those who have selflessly given back to A-State and the broader community,” said Moore. “This ceremony allows us to express our gratitude and appreciation by giving them their flowers while they are still with us, a gesture which is both meaningful and profound.”
The festivities conclude at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, as the A-State Museum transports attendees back in time for the Jonesboro Black Business District exhibit. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the legacy and contributions of Black-owned businesses in the local community.
“My hope is that attendees walk away with a deeper understanding of the contributions and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and in contemporary society. I want them to feel empowered to celebrate access for all, engage in meaningful conversations about systemic change, and reflect on their own role in creating welcoming communities. Ultimately, I hope they leave feeling inspired and motivated to be lifelong learners,” said Haynes, chair of the Black History Month committee.
The Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Commission partners with the Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Commission in Nevada. This partnership bridges the most active commission in the nation (Arkansas) and the world’s largest Dr. Martin Luther King Junior parade in Las Vegas. The parade in Las Vegas started in 1981 and has attracted commissions from across the nation to Las Vegas for the parade.
As part of the work done in Nevada around the celebration of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, a technology summit is held annually to inform freshman through high school seniors about job opportunities. The technology summit was started seven years ago by Duana Malone, known as the Tech Queen.
“We wanted to serve by letting students know about the technology opportunities available,” says Malone. “This was especially important for outreach to go toward students who are in underserved and underrepresented communities. Back then, students did not know about high-tech opportunities, robotics, and other areas. We want to ensure that today’s students know about all available technological opportunities”.
Malone said that when the community started learning about the technology summit, it grew exponentially. One challenge was finding a space large enough to hold it. The Friday summit was held at Las Vegas City Hall in the city council chambers, which was large enough to hold a couple hundred students from area high schools to learn about technology and jobs.
The Arkansas Dr. Martin Luthe King Junior Commission is one of the most active commissions in the nation. Executive Director of the Commission Dushun Scarbrough has been excited about the partnership between Arkansas and Nevada.
“We have one of the largest days of service on Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior’s Day, and we participate in over 70 activities statewide through the year,” says Scarbrough. Scarbrough has been grateful for the partnership and says the Technology Summit coming to Arkansas will be a game changer. “Just as this did for Nevada, we are going to do the same thing in Arkansas and positively impact the children in Arkansas.”
Malone expects to be in Arkansas later this year to help with the establishment of a technology summit in Arkansas. More details on the technology summit in Arkansas will be released as soon as everything is finalized.
JONESBORO – Several events will take place around Jonesboro and the Arkansas State University campus to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of the annual NEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations.
The NEA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade Committee will host a youth program kickoff at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Jonesboro High School Performing Arts Center, 301 Hurricane Drive.
“This program will highlight the voices and talents of our youth, fostering the next generation of leaders inspired by Dr. King’s values,” said Ashley Wilson, committee co-chairman.
The community is invited to attend and celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader.
The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. The parade will start at the Lt. Col. Frederick Turner Jr. Military Science Building on the A-State campus.
It will depart the military science building, travel up Marion Berry Parkway to Johnson Avenue, proceed down University Loop, and conclude at the Fowler Center.
Performances from the Forrest City High School Band, Osceola High School Band, Jonesboro High School Steppers, and Drumline will be featured during the parade.
“We encourage community organizations to bring banners and participate in the parade to showcase their commitment to Dr. King’s vision of freedom, justice and democracy,” said Wilson.
Following the parade, the public is encouraged to gather at noon at Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive, for the 23rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration.
The theme for the program this year is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice & Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence.”
Jonesboro native Jervonne Newsome will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.
“As a licensed attorney, minister and community advocate, Elder Newsome will deliver an empowering and thought-provoking message aligned with Dr. King’s mission of unity and social justice,” said Wilson. “The program will also feature inspiring performances, reflections on Dr. King’s legacy, and a call to action for continued community activism.”
Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver and A-State leadership will also speak during the program.
Dr. Carlitta Moore, vice chancellor for access and institutional engagement, says it’s a time to unite, reflect and carry on Dr. King’s vision.
“We are thrilled to be able to embark on this wonderful opportunity bringing together our community in partnership with Arkansas State University while honoring and celebrating the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This event not only serves as a chance to gather and strengthen bonds, but to reflect on the vision of Dr. King. Together, we look forward to creating a meaningful and inspiring experience which will continue to realize his ideals and ignite our shared values,” said Moore.
Officials with the Arkansas Martin Luther King Junior Commission will celebrate the King Holiday in both Las Vegas and Arkansas, honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is recognized as one of the most active commissions in the nation. In recognition of the service of the Arkansas Commission, an invitation was extended for the Arkansas Commission to come to Las Vegas to participate in the world’s largest King Holiday Parade, which occurs on Monday, January 20.
The national partnership will bring the MLK Tech Summit to Arkansas, introducing high school students to technology careers. The Las Vegas City Council will also honor the Arkansas Martin Luther King Junior Commission for its work, with a special salute from the city of North Las Vegas and a presentation of the city’s key.
Some of the events that will occur in Las Vegas involving the Arkansas Martin Luther King Junior Commission include:
The Ultimate Measure of a Man at the West Las Vegas Library on Thursday, January 16
The 7th Annual MLK Tech Summit at the Las Vegas City Hall on Friday, January 17
The Interfaith Service at the Nehemiah Ministries Christian Church in Las Vegas on Friday, January 17
43rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior Scholarship Banquet at the Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Friday, January 17
43rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Parade in Downtown Las Vegas on January 20
Additionally, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Junior Commission, Dushun Scarbrough, will be recognized for his work with the commission. KASU and DDNS will cover these events from Las Vegas across multiple platforms starting Friday, January 17th, and running through Monday, January 20th.
This year’s events theme is “Living the Dream: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future.”
Arkansas State University held the annual Thanksgiving dinner in the Acansa Dining Hall Wednesday.
Craig Johnson, assistant vice chancellor for auxiliary services and volunteer coordinator for the Thanksgiving dinner, said the event provides for faculty, staff and students alike.
“For faculty, this gives them interactions outside of the classroom or outside of the offices,” Johnson said. “For our students, it gives them an opportunity to meet with faculty and staff in a different environment. It provides for those folks who can’t be able to go home for Thanksgiving.”
Emily Martin, a first-year nursing major from Viola, Arkansas, attended the Thanksgiving dinner. She said her favorite food served at the event was the macaroni and cheese, while her least favorite was the stuffing. Martin said the food lines never felt slow and the servers were very hospitable.
“We probably got here at a good time, we got in right after the initial people,” Martin said. “I had to go back and get mac and cheese because they were out, though.”
Yurizzia Macias, a first-year nursing major from Little Rock, said the food was great overall. She also said the stuffing was her least favorite food served at the event. She said while the food for the Thanksgiving dinner was being served in the middle of the Acansa Dining Hall, the space never felt claustrophobic and the food lines were never congested.
Johnson said he has helped plan the annual Thanksgiving dinner for 27 years. He said it was harder to find volunteers in the early 2000s. This year, Johnson said he had to turn people away because so many wanted to help.
The volunteer coordinator said he sent an email at 9 a.m. asking faculty and staff to help with the event and by 9:19, the first shift of volunteers was already full.
43 volunteers comprising faculty and staff members helped serve food at the event. Johnson said volunteers receive no formal training other than guidance on giving equal food portion sizes to students.
“We really just put an apron on, put gloves on and say ‘serve’”, Johnson said.
The volunteer coordinator said 100 students were already through the line in only the first half hour of the event. He said he thinks the volunteers served about 600 to 650 students during the event.
Johnson said it was fun to see a full cafeteria again. He said A-State is still rebounding from COVID-19, which caused a drop in the on-campus student population
“I consider a place like this to be the heartbeat, where folks have the ability to engage and interact,” Johnson said.
Macias said she thinks the Thanksgiving dinner will have a positive impact on students, especially those who won’t be able to go home or see their family during Thanksgiving or Christmas break.
“If they see how it is all family-friendly, they will be more motivated to stay here,” Macias said.
Johnson said he hopes the Thanksgiving dinner provided a warm holiday experience for students who cannot travel home while on break.
“I don’t think you can ever replace what it means to go home, we just can’t match that,” Johnson said. “But it does give that holiday feeling that you have during Thanksgiving.”
Johnson said since Thanksgiving is a holiday based on American history, some international students may not celebrate it. He said this event still serves to give these students another taste of American culture and what the holiday is all about.
Martin said while she enjoyed the event, she did notice areas that could be improved. Martin and Macias said having another table for serving food would have helped students get more food. Five volunteers couldn’t attend the event to help because they had the flu. Johnson said their absence didn’t affect the event very much because he probably had more volunteers than he needed anyway.
Johnson said he would like to see more food options served next year when the event is held again. He said he told the head of operations for the event he would particularly like to have candied yams available for students next year.
Macias said she would be interested in coming to the same event next year and similar events in the future.
The City of Jonesboro has been awarded a $1,000,000 grant from the United States Department of the Interior’s National Park Services, through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program. This significant award will be administered by the State of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. Jonesboro City Council previously approved a local match of $1,129,675 which is represented in the 2024 Annual Budget. The Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro has also committed $100,000 toward the development of this project.
“This is exciting news for our city and reinforces the great work of our Grants, Parks and Engineering departments who put together a great application for a long overdue park in Northeast Jonesboro,” said Jonesboro Mayor Copenhaver. “This park is a key investment in the well-being and quality of life for residents of Northeast Jonesboro. We are grateful to the National Park Service, the State of Arkansas, Junior Auxiliary, and both Cornerstone and Journey Churches for their partnership in making this vision a reality.”
The funds will be allocated to the creation of a new community park in Northeast Jonesboro, at the end of Disciple Drive. The park will cover at least 13 acres, with potential to expand to 23 acres, contingent on further land acquisition. Planned features will include:
A fully accessible adventure playground
Walking and biking trails
Tennis Courts
Pickleball Courts
A Dog Park
Multiuse Sports fields
An expanded entrance road
Parking lot
An abundance of natural greenspace
“When we first met with Mayor Copenhaver about how we could help improve Jonesboro, his pitch for a park in east Jonesboro was an immediate ‘yes’ as it lined up perfectly with our mission to improve lives for local youth. We are so proud to be a part of this wonderful project,” commented Junior Auxiliary President, Jessica Baker.
The City of Jonesboro’s Parks and Recreation Director Danny Kapales stated, “As the Master Parks Plan indicated, this location was lacking in park space and was a priority. This grant and future park represent what is possible to achieve as a collective group.”
This project aligns with the Social Determinants of Health Plan, with plans for the new park to be fully accessible to residents of all abilities. Notably, there is currently no city park within one and a half miles of the project site, making this development a resource for the surrounding community. Thousands of residents who live and work near the project area will have better access to outdoor recreation.
“This project is a culmination of more than two years of coordination between the City, the State of Arkansas, and the National Parks Service. We are excited any time we win a grant, but to secure the largest parks grant the City of Jonesboro has ever received is special and personal for our hard-working staff,” commented Jeremy Biggs, Director of Grants for the City of Jonesboro.
Next, the Jonesboro City Council will hear a resolution to accept the grant and purchase the property, to be presented to the Public Services Committee later this week. After approval from Public Services Committee, full council will consider next week. If approved, construction will begin in the Summer of 2025.
JONESBORO, Ark. — The restaurant Legends BBQ Smokehouse & Lounge in Jonesboro has had quite the journey to get where they are today. Owned by husband and wife duo Reginald and Ruthie Prunty, the business has been running for around thirty years.
Reginald Prunty, born and raised in Jonesboro, is a prominent figure in the Jonesboro African-American community. He and Ruthie—who is originally from Dumas, Arkansas–have donated to, contributed to, and volunteered for many local community efforts over the years.
For example, Reginald was the founder of Jonesboro CityYouth Ministries, a Christian after-school program for young children. Before it was established, Reginald stated, there was no place for African-American kids to get together and have activities.
In addition, Reginald has been chairman for Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, a board member of Crimestoppers and the community transportation committee JETS, and a member of Community-Oriented Policing (COPS). He has even ran for State Representative of District 59 twice.
Reginald (right) and Ruthie (left) Prunty.
“I grew up in the community, and I cared a lot to make a change,” Reginald said.
The Legends restaurant is another culmination of the Pruntys’ community efforts. Originally, the business started out as a private club called Envision. However, the official name of the business was Arkansas Scholarship Fund, doing business as Legends 1025.
The Pruntys established this club because they saw a good opportunity to give back to the community, according to Reginald. People of course enjoy drinking alcohol, so why not turn that into money to benefit others?
The money that was paid for a club membership was later put into a scholarship fund. Every year, the Pruntys would give a scholarship, funded by this money, to a student who needed it. The money made at the bar was used to provide food for CityYouth.
The scholarship effort was retired when the state stopped requiring that businesses have a certain amount of members in order to retain a liquor license. However, the Pruntys still donate to various community services, in addition to catering for many community events.
The Pruntys had to work day jobs while they were running their business until they retired recently. Reginald worked as a technician for Xerox and frequently traveled, while Ruthie worked for St. Bernards in catering. Reginald has an associate’s degree in electrical engineering, and Ruthie has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in management along with a certification in dietary management.
When the Pruntys first opened their club back in the ‘90s, it was the first business owned by an African-American in Jonesboro to have a liquor license. Prunty believes that this is what opened up the rest of the clubs in Jonesboro to accepting more African-Americans.
However, the club faced many difficulties, as trailblazers often do.
“Jonesboro wasn’t ready for an African-American to have a liquor license or a club,” Reginald said.
“Jonesboro wasn’t ready for an African-American to have a liquor license or a club,”
Reginald Prunty
There was some negative press surrounding their business. It was even printed in the Jonesboro Sun at one point that “There’s no way that the young man can make a private club successful on West Johnson, not even one of the Rockefellers could,” according to Reginald.
“Well, I’ve been here thirty years…if I could tell him now, maybe I’m not a Rockefeller, maybe a cousin…” Reginald said, and laughed.
In addition, even though they had all the qualifications for a liquor license, they didn’t get the license until much later than they should have. First, they were accused of not being in the right location, said Ruthie—even though it’s clear that their building on West Johnson is very far from any churches or schools—and then they were told that they had to get their business up and running within six months or the license would be revoked.
However, this proved to be an issue because at the time, according to Reginald, very few people in Jonesboro were willing to come work for an African-American. For example, the people who did the electrical work kept their vehicles hidden. The people who worked on the walls would only work at night.
Furthermore, when picking up alcohol, Reginald was frequently pulled over and forced to show his permit. They would unload the truck on the side of the road as if he was carrying drugs. The club was subjected to frequent shakedowns, as well, in which customers were patted down and told to show their IDs.
“They would come in when we got customers…they were running through the building…and tell us ‘Turn the lights on right now, right now!’” Ruthie said. “A lot of nights, they’ll set up over here across the street in the fields with the police lights off on the vehicles…they were sitting out there, waiting to see what they can get us for.”
According to Reginald, before his club opened, there was no other club in Jonesboro that African-Americans could go to. It wasn’t socially accepted for African-Americans to attend any of the other private clubs.
Reginald Prunty in front of his bar.
His club paved the way for African-Americans to be accepted into other clubs because it was becoming so popular that it was attracting customers from other clubs. Reginald emphasized that his business wasn’t just for black people but for everyone. He called it “the neutral zone.”
The club used to host themed nights based on types of music they would play on those nights which would attract different crowds. For instance, there was blues night, rock night, R’n’B night, and Hispanic music night. As a result, they had a good turnout of not just African-Americans, but also white people and Hispanic people.
“They came out in droves,” Ruthie said.
“Everybody would leave the 501, everybody would leave Sage Meadows, everybody left Ridgepointe, and they were here, because this is what the happening was,” Reginald said.
However, this is when everything started to go downhill for the club. It was because the club was affecting the other clubs’ business, according to Reginald.
In 2010, the Pruntys had to go to a public safety hearing as a result of allegations about violence near the club. The owner of Brickhouse was also there due to violence around his club as well. KAIT8 aired the hearing on TV.
The Jonesboro City Councilman at the time, Chris Moore, gave the owner of Brickhouse, Dr. Dan Johnson, a warning that if he appeared again before the committee, he was in danger of having his business shut down.
However, when it was aired on TV, KAIT8 made it seem like the councilman was talking to Reginald rather than Johnson. They replaced the clip of Johnson with a clip of Reginald.
“Now how fair is that?” Ruthie said. “I was so upset…To shine a bad light on him, they aired it on TV.”
In addition, Reginald said that when he was asked if he overserved alcohol and answered in the negative, the police chief jumped up and accused him of lying, claiming that he overserved and that his club always smelled of marijuana.
The committee decided to suspend the Pruntys’ license for three months and put them on probation for a year, but they later contested this and sued the city, claiming that they were in compliance with the alcohol regulations and that he was being treated unfairly due to his race. A restraining order was granted to prevent the suspension.
“It happened in front of the entire city of Jonesboro. The city of Jonesboro allowed that to happen, the city attorney allowed it to happen, and we had a full house like it was a lynching,” Reginald said. “That’s exactly what it felt like.”
According to Reginald, there hasn’t been another hearing bringing in private clubs for any similar incidents since then.
Once the other clubs got wind of the fact that the Pruntys’ club was actually making a significant amount of money and had a strong clientele base, they started recruiting customers from the club, according to Reginald. As a result, the Pruntys were later forced to close their business for three months to rebrand themselves and renovate their building due to a loss of customers.
In 2017, their business reopened as a BBQ restaurant which also has a bar. They have their own smoker and process their own meats, so everything is made in-house. They even have their own seasoning mix that took five years to develop, which became so popular that many people asked if they would sell it.
They’ve also catered for many events, such as the grand opening of Natural Grocers in 2017. The event was supposed to be small, and they didn’t originally plan to cook very much, but more people started arriving because word got around that it was so good. They were supposed to only be there for two hours, but five hours later, Reginald said, people were still coming.
They also host events at the restaurant. On this upcoming June 1, they’re hosting the kickoff for the Juneteenth in Jonesboro celebration from three p.m. to six p.m. There’s going to be vendor popups, food, music, and a couple of speeches.
Reginald says he wants to eventually publish a book in which he tells his story along with the controversy it inspired, of course using all the required documentation and evidence. However, he also plans to include and give due credit to all of the people who have supported him throughout the years.
Avery Jonesis a senior in The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She can be reached at avery.jones@smail.astate.edu
JONESBORO, Ark. — On Saturday, May 18, the local nonprofit organization Research Solutions hosted their first NEA Cultural Expo. The event lasted from 10 AM to 7 PM at the Centennial Plaza in downtown Jonesboro and was free to attend.
The event featured crafts, food, and other goods from various local vendors and small businesses as well as live music. According to the executive director of Research Solutions, the purpose of the event was to display the variety of different cultures thriving in Northeast Arkansas.
“We have so many people from around the country and around the world who live in this area, and we all bring something that contributes to the community but we don’t interact a lot,” stated Lisa Perry. “I’d like to see something that celebrates all that everyone brings to the area.”
Although this was only the first time this event has happened, they’re hoping that they’ll be able to arrange it next year as well and are already making plans to do so. Perry used to live in another city–Columbus, Indiana–that hosted a cultural expo every year, which is how she came up with the idea.
When Perry moved here to Jonesboro, she noticed that this area has just as much diversity as Columbus, but there was no similar event. In her last city, the cultural expo was a great way to connect people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions.
“We really don’t have anything that kind of tries to bridge that gap, and having the other city as an example of something that was working, I thought, why not try it here?” Perry said.
Their hope is that although the expo was instigated by Research Solutions and they plan to remain involved, it will eventually become a community-led event. However, even though this first event was mainly run by Research Solutions, there were many people in the community who did help, such as sponsorship from local businesses.
Research Solutions, established in 2022, does research on social sciences and public services. They work primarily on substance abuse and overdose prevention. They’re the fiscal agent for the Arkansas HOPE Coalition, a group of organizations that supports programs for underprivileged youth.
Some of the cultures that were to be represented at the Cultural Expo included Southern, Hawaiian, African-American, Muslim, Mexican, Filipino, and others. There were at least thirty vendors slated to be there.
One of the many culturally diverse vendors at the event was NowaraCo, a scarf and hijab company owned by Dr. Nora Bouzihay. It’s the first hijab company in Arkansas and was established in 2018.
Dr. Bouzihay, who has a doctorate in education, currently works at Southeast Missouri State University. Her grandmother used to call her “Nowara,” which means flower in Arabic. This is how her company got its name.
All of the scarves are handmade, and the fabric is imported from Morocco. For every three scarves sold, NowaraCo donates a scarf to a refugee in the Middle East. NowaraCo also sells no-snag magnets as a substitute for safety pins.
Bouzihay started wearing a hijab herself in 2016. She says that she never felt “beautiful” until she started wearing it. Additionally, after her grandmother passed away, she wanted a way to keep her legacy alive.
“Because I felt so beautiful with scarves, I thought what better way to bring all women and young girls together and feel beauty through scarves in all forms?” Bouzihay said.
Although the scarves are frequently bought as hijabs, they can be used for any purpose, says Bouzihay. Women who are suffering from hair loss also enjoy these scarves, and of course, they can be used as neck scarves as well.
Bouzihay is originally from Morocco but grew up in Jonesboro. During college, she studied abroad in Dubai and Morocco, which is what inspired her to assist women in the Middle East.
Another vendor at the expo was KO Treats: Taste of the Valley, an independent candy company ran by duo Kiara Riojas and Oliver Quiroz. It was first established in 2022.
KO Treats sells chamoy-covered candy. Chamoy is a type of sauce often used in Mexican cuisine, made from pickled fruit and blended with chili peppers, lime, and spices.
When she moved to Jonesboro from South Texas, Riojas found herself missing all of the authentic Mexican snacks that could easily be found in any convenience store down there. Riojas decided to remedy this problem herself and sell her own Mexican snacks, bringing the unique flavor of the Rio Grande Valley to Jonesboro.
Riojas and Quiroz currently sell the candy from home in Lake City, but they provide delivery for Jonesboro and surrounding areas. They also frequently sell at events in Jonesboro similar to the expo.
Graceful Threads, an inspirational apparel business owned by Ninmah Wallace, was also at the expo. The shop sells clothing featuring Christian and inspirational quotes.
Wallace is originally from Chicago. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Wallace started her business in 2020; she loved designing faith-based apparel for herself, so this business was the natural next step for her. Additionally, she’s a Christian, so she prays and feels inspired about what to design.
“It was something I knew that I wanted to do because I love to create and design different apparel,” Wallace said. “It’s just something that I was inspired to do…just to be able to support and provide something for families to wear.”
She has another similar business called SheMadeYaLook, of which Graceful Threads is an extension. SheMadeYaLook is a personal styling service that helps people to find pieces that suit them, match their personal taste, and look good together. Wallace puts together a “StyleBox” and delivers it to the client.
Graceful Threads sells online and ships the purchases. New designs are released every season.
There were several other small businesses featured at the Cultural Expo, including the food truck Filipino Chow, Wise Women Crafts, Vaughn’s Pit Stop BBQ, the bakery Delightful Bites, and much more.
Avery Jonesis a senior in The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She can be reached at avery.jones@smail.astate.edu
The theme of 2023’s Black History Month celebration.
JONESBORO, Ark. – Jonesboro nonprofit Fisher Street Community in Action will host the 2nd annual “African American and The Arts” event in recognition of Black History Month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 24. Last year, they had about 50 attendees and hope to have more this year.
According to event organizer Ruby McKinley, event participants will portray various African-American actors, both alive and deceased as attendees guess which famous person is being portrayed. Refreshments will be provided.
“The purpose of the activity is to get the community involved in Black history and to inform them of Black history then and now as to how things have evolved from slavery to now,” McKinley said.
“The purpose of the activity is to get the community involved in Black history and to inform them of Black history then and now as to how things have evolved from slavery to now,”
Ruby McKinley, event organizer
The event will also feature Dr. Lonnie Williams as its guest speaker. Williams, who is the vice-chancellor of diversity, inclusion, and community engagement at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, will discuss the history and impact of African-Americans in the arts.
Alongside Williams, other guests will be in attendance including Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver, who plans to give a proclamation during the festivity.
FSCIA was started by Rev. Dr. Charles Coleman, who operates as its CEO. The organization’s goal was to get the students from the Success Achievement Academy involved in gardening, an alternative learning program, in the organization’s community garden.
“The first year we did that, we had a group of students that was so excited about the garden…they chose the type of vegetables that they wanted to plant and they had their own space,” McKinley said.
“The first year we did that, we had a group of students that was so excited about the garden…they chose the type of vegetables that they wanted to plant and they had their own space,”
Ruby McKinley, event organizer
FSCIA is funded by donations and has been providing help in the community for 13 years. The organization participates in the Toys for Tots program, conducts its own toy giveaway, provide community clean-up services twice a year and hosts the “National Night Out” every year, where they inform and spread awareness about community programs and services, provide free food, games, and more.
Avery Jonesis a junior in The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She can be reached at avery.jones@smail.astate.edu
NOTE: Feature photo is of 2023’s Black History Month celebration from the FSCIA.
Jonesboro Chinese Baptist Church holds annual Chinese New Year celebration
Delta Digital News Service
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
By Atsuki Ohbuchi 大渕 純暉 | Staff Photographer
JONESBORO, Ark. – Congregants, friends and guests attend the Jonesboro Chinese Baptist Church‘s Chinese New Year celebration at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. According to chinesenewyear.net, the Chinese New Year 2024 falls on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 24th, 2024. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (February 10th–February 16th, 2024). The event also marks the transition between zodiac signs with this year being the year of the dragon.
Tony Tsui, left, and Grace Liouh of the Jonesboro Baptist Church speak during the Chinese New Year Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Photo Atsuki Ohbuchi 大渕 純暉
PHOTO GALLERY
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Atsuki Ohbuchi | 大渕 純暉
Atsuki Ohbuchi | 大渕 純暉 is a junior in the Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He can be reached at: atsuki.ohbuchi@smail.astate.edu
NOTE: Feature photo shows members of the Chinese Baptist Church’s Children’s Ministry performance.
JONESBORO, Ark. – Chinese New Year is a celebration based on the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar used in the U.S. as well as many other parts of the world.
The year begins with the first new moon of the year, which falls around the end of January and into February, and lasts for several days until the moon is full again. Each year is represented by a different animal of the Chinese zodiac; this year is the Year of the Dragon.
This year, the first day of Lunar New Year is on February 10. However, it’s not only celebrated in China, but in many East Asian communities around the world, including here in Jonesboro.
This year the Jonesboro Chinese Baptist Church will host a New Year’s party on February 10 at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry building on the ASU Jonesboro campus from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There is no entry fee and the event is open to anyone.
Greg Meeks is pastor of the church and helped to start the celebration. In Taiwan, he was the superintendent of an international Christian English-speaking school. Meeks worked in Taiwan for over 20 years as a missionary before moving back to Arkansas to teach at Arkansas State University.
At ASU, Meeks taught a classes with many international students, mostly Chinese. It was this class that gave birth to the Chinese Church.
“It just kind of morphed into a Chinese class, and as time [went] on, it grew larger and ended up starting services and just continued from there,” Meeks stated.
“It just kind of morphed into a Chinese class, and as time [went] on, it grew larger and ended up starting services and just continued from there,”
Greg Meeks, Pastor of the Chinese Baptist Church
The celebration is adorned with food, traditional Chinese customs, a musical program, Bingo and gift card drawings. Children often perform songs or play musical instruments.
Members find out about the event through various venues such as the Chinese grocery store, Chinese restaurants, and Chinese university students.
Meeks describes the event as a “social ministry.” In the past, they have attempted to get contact information from attendees and encourage them to visit the church. However, it’s a very relaxed event for celebrating the New Year and not for evangelizing.
“One of our core purposes is to give Chinese a sense of family because there are expats here in the U.S…most of them still have family in China and other places,” he said.
“One of our core purposes is to give Chinese a sense of family because there are expats here in the U.S…most of them still have family in China and other places,”
Greg Meeks, Pastor of the Chinese Baptist Church
There are many traditional customs associated with Chinese New Year, and those who attend the church’s party usually adhere to a few of them. For instance, many of the attendees will wear more traditional Chinese dress, and many also wear red as well since red is considered a celebratory color.
In addition, fish is commonly served during Chinese New Year meals in accordance with the Chinese saying–literally translated–“Always have fish.” Fish is considered a blessing for prosperity. Another common custom is to gift their children red envelopes containing money.
Ali Tran of Craighead County-Jonesboro Public Library prepares for the Chinese New Year celebration.
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library also hosted a celebration for Lunar New Year. Friday, February 9, starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Round Room. Festivities included two sessions of story time followed by crafts with light refreshments.
This was the first in-person version of the program that the library hosted. According to Ali Tran, adult services staff at the library, the library is trying to host more events that showcase the diversity of the local community.
“It’s a learning experience for parts of our community who may not know about this cultural celebration, but it also provides a safe space for our minority groups to come in and celebrate parts of their culture,” Tran said. “We want to try to reach out to more diverse groups in our community and uplift them, raise awareness about the different cultures we have even here in Jonesboro.”
Avery Jonesis a sophomore in The Department of English and Philosophy at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She can be reached at avery.jones@smail.astate.edu
Delta Digital News Service 