1. I’ll Be The Judge of That Judicial Candidate Forum
2. King Kennedy Nominations Are Now Open!
King Kennedy Nominations Are Now Open!
The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus is seeking nominations for the 2024 King Kennedy Awards. The special event will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at The Venue at Westwind in North Little Rock.
This year marks our 20th anniversary of honoring deserving individuals, businesses, and organizations. We recognize contributions made by people across the state.
Is there someone you know who deserves such an honor? The deadline for submissions is Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. CST. All nominations must be submitted online. It is strongly recommended that nominators carefully review the nomination guide before submitting a nomination.
There are five award categories:
THE IRMA HUNTER BROWN WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARD
A woman of color will receive this award for overcoming gender bias through competence, commitment, and courage. Consider nominating a woman who has demonstrated leadership in her profession and/or community.
THE THOMAS E. “PAT” PATTERSON EDUCATIONAL AWARD
Education award will be presented to an individual who fights for equality of educational opportunity for students and employees of color. Nominate a person or organization who has demonstrated their life’s work or community service to advance education in their local community.
THE ANNIE MCDANIEL ABRAMS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This award will be given to an outstanding citizen who, through selfless service, helps make a positive impact on the community at-large, and especially on African Americans. Nominate someone or an organization who has volunteered with one or more organizations, educational institutions, clubs, church committees, or civic groups.
THE DR. JERRY JEWEL GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD
We will present this award to an individual or organization that has provided leadership in the political and legislative arena for people of color. Nominate someone who has served in the Democratic Party, Arkansas General Assembly, or in a leadership role within a county or municipal government. A person who played a significant role in passing legislation that benefited people of color and people living in poverty may also be considered.
THE CALVIN KING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD
The award will be given to a person of color who has shown a commitment to economic empowerment in African American and poor communities in Arkansas. Nominate a person, organization, or business that has demonstrated their commitment to Black entrepreneurship or has helped improve economic conditions in their community.
Nomination guidelines: Click here
Submit a nomination: Click here
Please direct all questions to [email protected]
3. A Gift From A Dove Presents: The First Annual Blue Diamond Event
4. Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative Hosts Its 3rd Annual Convening
5. Applications Now Open: Marshall-Motley Scholars Program
Since 1940, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) has been committed to racial justice and equity. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF is building on this legacy with the Marshall-Motley Scholars Program.
Named in honor of civil rights legends Thurgood Marshall — LDF’s founder and the nation’s first Black Supreme Court Justice — and Constance Baker Motley, former LDF attorney and the first Black woman to become a federal judge, the MMSP will create pathways to leadership, self-sufficiency, and socio-economic progress, while developing individuals to become ambassadors and advocates for transformational change in Black communities in the South.
This program comes at a time when Black students are facing more barriers than ever to attend law school. Studies show that the cost of a private law school education has grown by a whopping 175% since 1985. According to the American Bar Association, student loans take a disproportionate toll on lawyers of color, often forcing them to take unwanted career paths. The support offered by the MMSP is an intentional effort to address the racial and economic barriers that often deter students from pursuing their dreams of becoming civil rights attorneys, and a targeted effort to support the civil rights ecosystem in the South.