1. Rock It! Lab Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary
Five years ago, Rock It! Lab was founded on a bold belief: the democratization of entrepreneurship. It is the belief that everyone with the courage to turn an idea into reality, regardless of where they come from or the resources they have, deserves access to the knowledge, mentorship, networks, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Since then, hundreds of entrepreneurs from Central Arkansas and beyond have become part of the Rock It! Lab community, launching businesses, strengthening their ideas, growing their companies, forging meaningful relationships, and pursuing opportunities they once thought were out of reach.
We’re celebrating our five-year milestone on Saturday and would love for you to join the party! Come celebrate with us at our River Shop Pop-Up from 12-3PM. You’ll find a fantastic selection of products from our past and present vendors, including Lux & Soul, Sarge’s Famous Pickles, Skhert, and Chocolate Spoon Bake Shoppe, along with bespoke jewelry, art, and clothing from the incredible Arkansas small business owners we support. We have a festive afternoon planned, complete with refreshments and music by DJ Deja Blu.
2. Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church Hosts Civic Empowerment Community Forum
3. Emmanuel Baptist Church Hosts Its Annual Community Fest
LITTLE ROCK—Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3323 W. 12th Street in Little Rock, will sponsor its annual Community Fest on Saturday July 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Activities will include health screenings, school physicals, haircuts, school supplies, refreshments, giveaways, and games. School supplies and backpacks are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must accompany their parents to receive backpacks and grade-level school supplies. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact us at https://ebclr.org/contact or call 501-952-9392.
4. A Work of ART Returns with Jazz Icon Gerald Albright and Homegrown Star Gabriel Wade
Art Porter Music Education, Inc. (APME) will host the 16th annual A Work of Art benefit, July 27 – August 1, 2026, a weeklong celebration of music, education, and community impact. The festivities begin Monday, July 27, with a kickoff at Little Rock City Hall, followed by a week of dynamic performances.
On Wednesday, July 29, Shannon “Sangin Diva” Pearson, a powerhouse vocalist known for her soulful sound and commanding stage presence, takes the stage. Thursday, July 30, features rising artist Gabriel Wade, an APME alumnus who exemplifies the success of investing in young talent. The week culminates on Saturday, August 1, with internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright, whose signature sound and world-class musicianship will close out the celebration. Throughout the week, audiences will also enjoy performances by APME’s talented Minors in Music students and Young Emcees.
A WORK OF ART ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
MON| July 27 – AWOA Kickoff, Little Rock City Hall, Noon
TUE | July 28 – Minors in Music, Park Plaza (Level One), Noon – Free
WED| July 29 – Shannon Pearson, Ron Robinson Theater, 7 PM – $55–$65
THU | July 30 – Gabriel Wade Quintet, Mosaic Templars Center, 7 PM – $50
FRI | July 31 – Porter Players Jam Session, Four Points by Sheraton Midtown, 7 PM – Free
SAT |August 1 – Scholarship Program featuring Gerald Albright, and APME’S All-Stars
The CHARTS Theater, 8 PM – $65–$75
For tickets and event details, visit: http://artporter.org/tickets
Tickets are on sale now online at artporter.org or call (501) 492-9120. For more information, visit APME online or check out Art Porter Music Education Inc.’s Facebook page.
5. Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission to Host Back-to-School Giveaway & Fatherhood Initiative at Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park
LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is proud to host its annual Back-to-School Giveaway & Fatherhood Initiative on Saturday, August 1, providing school supplies and family-centered activities to help students prepare for a successful school year.
The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Big Rock Mini Golf & Fun Park and is designed to support families while promoting positive parental engagement and community involvement.
This will be a drive-through event; students attending the event will have the opportunity to receive school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. To receive supplies, children must be present.
In addition to the school supply giveaway, the Commission’s Fatherhood Initiative will offer free activities for the first 100 dads attending with their children from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participating families will enjoy complimentary access to:
- Mini Golf
- Single Go Carts
- Maze
- Arcade Activities
- Meet and Greet with Arkansas Travs Mascot
The event reflects the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening families, supporting educational achievement, and encouraging meaningful parental involvement in children’s lives.
“Preparing children for academic success requires the support of families, schools, and communities working together. Through this event, we are helping students start the school year ready to learn while celebrating the vital role fathers and father figures play in a child’s development, ” says Dr. DuShun Scarbrough, Executive Director.
Families are encouraged to arrive early, as school supplies and free activity opportunities are limited.
Media Contact
Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
Arkansas Department of Education
Phone: (501) 683-1300
Email:dushun.scarbrough@ade.arkansas.gov
Website: www.arkingdream.org
About the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission was established to promote the legacy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through education, community service, racial harmony, nonviolence, and civic engagement. The Commission works throughout Arkansas to inspire positive change and strengthen communities through collaborative outreach initiatives.