Today’s Communiqué – 5.30.23 – Today's Communiqué

1. APJMM and Equal Justice Institute Announce Racial Justice Essay Contest

The Arkansas Peace & Justice Memorial Movement (APJMM) and the APJMM Pulaski County Community Remembrance Project, in partnership with Just Communities of Arkansas, and in collaboration with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), announce a racial justice essay scholarship contest open to raising 9th-12th grade students attending any public or charter high school located within Pulaski County. At least $5,000 in scholarships will be awarded.

Students are asked to examine the history of racial injustice in the State of Arkansas with the intention of connecting the past to the present to show that there is a connection from which all Arkansans can learn about issues of racial injustice in an informed manner. Students are also asked to offer suggestions on how young people today might be able to successfully challenge the present-day issue of racial injustice discussed.

The essay contest officially opens on June 1, 2023, and closes on September 3, 2023. Beginning June 21, the APJMM Pulaski County Community Remembrance Project will host several FREE virtual writing workshops throughout the summer to assist students with their essays. Each contest entrant will be required to attend at least two.

Click Here For Application

2. The 5-Day Great Unveiling Workshop at the Ernest Green House in Little Rock Register Today!

The Ernest Green House

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the Historic Dunbar Neighborhood. Ernest Green was one of the Little Rock Nine and the first African American graduate of Little Rock Central High School.

Register today! There is still time to register for our second hands-on restoration training session! It will be in Little Rock, June 12-16, 2023. In this upcoming workshop, “The Great Unveiling” participants will remove non-original siding, make wood repairs to the historic siding and paint as much of that original siding and trim as possible. Our instructor, Bob Yapp, will conduct the training to a group of 18 aspiring and experienced craftspeople. The workshop will take place at the Ernest Green House.

We are putting together a diverse team for the training. It will include men and women, will be culturally as well as geographically diverse representing urban and rural parts of Arkansas. Attendees must commit to the full week of training. The cost to participate is $500. Scholarships are available. To register, email QQA Executive Director Patricia Blick at [email protected] to apply and include the following info: name, age, gender, ethnicity, and hometown. Let us know if you need a scholarship to cover the registration. This workshop is supported by generous grants from The National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preserve Arkansas, The QQA.

We are still accepting support. If you are interested in sponsoring this important effort, with in-kind or financial contributions please contact QQA Executive Director Patricia Blick at [email protected]. The Great Unveiling Sponsors This workshop is supported by generous grants from: The National Trust for Historic Preservation Preserve Arkansas.

3. “Prolific Storyteller, Jimmy Cunningham, Jr. Shines Light on Pine Bluff and the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance”, by Today’s Communiqué Staff

“Louisiana folk think they have a lock on bayous!” ~Jimmy Cunningham, Jr.

A set by The Salty Dogs and an introduction by Potluck & Poison Ivy co-founder, John Gaudin preceded Cunningham taking the stage. Proudly reppin’ his alma matter by sporting a black and gold UAPB jersey, Cunningham began by talking about chitlins only after he shared the history of Arkansas’s bayous.

Click Here To Read Full Story

4. The T.U.R.N. Project Presents LitRock Central Arkansas Book Festival

Click Here To Register

5. Habitat for Humanity Now Accepting Applications for New Homeowners

It’s our favorite time: time to look for new homeowners! We are preparing to reopen the application process in June. We will require those interested to attend an orientation session (no longer than one hour) before they receive an application to fill out. There will be three orientation sessions from which to choose.

Wednesday, May 31, at noon, at the Little Rock ReStore

Saturday, June 3, at 10 a.m., at the Little Rock ReStore

Saturday, June 3, at 11 a.m., at the Little Rock ReStore

Following the week of orientation sessions, we will open the application window from June 5 – 19. If you or someone you know might be interested, contact Manuela Catic, manager of Homeowner Services, at 501.251.6757 to reserve your spot.