1. “Regulating High-Intensity Digital Infrastructure (HIDI) And Suspended from FaceBook in the Natural State,” by Wendell Griffen
2. You’re Invited: An Evening with Ronnie Nichols to Celebrate Legacy, Storytelling, and History with ESSENCE Magazine Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor
Little Rock, Ark. — The community is invited to attend “An Evening with Ronnie Nichols,” a special evening of conversation, reflection and celebration honoring the life, work and
storytelling of Ronnie A. Nichols, artist, author, and historic preservationist.
The event will take place Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at MacArthur
Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock. The evening will feature a
Southern-themed reception, a fireside chat hosted by Mikki Taylor, Editor-at-Large for
ESSENCE Magazine, and an exclusive book signing experience with Nichols.
Click Here for Tickets & to Learn More
3. Alpha Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® and North Pulaski Pearls by Merit, Inc., Celebrates Chapter Anniversary and Juneteenth
4. River Cities Dragon Boat Festival Returns with Goal to Raise $300,000 for Abused and Neglected Children
13th Annual Dragon Boat Races to Support Abused Children in Pulaski County
Unique event hosted to benefit children who have experienced abuse and neglect continue to receive specialized care and protection
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Teri Todd
(501) 584-3947
ttodd@childrensprotectioncenter.org
The countdown is on for the 2026 River Cities Dragon Boat Festival benefiting Children’s Protection Center — the county’s only child advocacy center, set to take place in just two weeks as teams, sponsors, and supporters prepare for one of Central Arkansas’s most exciting and impactful community events.
Following the tremendous success of last year’s festival, which raised more than $250,000 to support free services for abused and neglected children in Pulaski County, organizers have set an ambitious 2026 fundraising goal of $300,000. Funds raised through the festival help provide hope, healing, advocacy, and critical resources to more than 1,700 children served annually through both locations in Little Rock and Jacksonville.
This year’s event is proudly presented by Forvis Mazars, whose continued support helps make it possible to expand services and reach even more children and families in need.
Festivities begin Friday evening at 6 p.m. with Arkansas’s Largest Tailgate Party, featuring food trucks, live music, entertainment, kids activities, team practices, and a fireworks finale. The excitement continues Saturday morning as dragon boat teams from across the region take to the water for a full day of racing and friendly competition. All events will be held at Lake Willastein in Maumelle, AR — and there are currently more than 40 teams on the roster.
“Every dollar raised will help us continue delivering the critical services children in crisis desperately need,” said Executive Director Jennifer Long. “Without these funds, some of our county’s most vulnerable children will lose access to the hope and healing they deserve. That’s why this event is more than just two days of camaraderie and fun—it’s a lifeline.”
The River Cities Dragon Boat Festival is free and open to the public, offering families an opportunity to enjoy a weekend full of fun while supporting a meaningful cause that directly impacts local children.
Community members are encouraged to attend, cheer on their favorite teams, and join the effort to help provide healing and hope to children who need it most.
More information about the event can be found at www.rivercitiesdragonboatfestival.com.
About Children’s Protection Center
Children’s Protection Center provides a safer community for children by leading the coordinated response to child about and providing hope and healing to families.
More information can be found at www.childrensprotectioncenter.org