1. Conversations for Congress: An Evening of Purpose and A Fundraiser in Support of Chris Jones
Today’s Communiqué does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidate or party for elective public office.
2. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site to Host Performance on the Life and Leadership of Daisy Gatson Bates
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will present “Something in the Soil,” a free documentary-style, one-woman performance about the life and work of civil rights icon Daisy Gatson Bates, featuring actress Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, on Wednesday, August 26, at 6 p.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church.
The performance explores the events that shaped the life of Daisy Gatson Bates, from her childhood to her experience as an important figure in the Little Rock Central High School desegregation crisis and her later life as a journalist, publisher, organizer, and civil-rights leader. Through narration, period-inspired props, and historical language, the program follows Bates across three significant settings: the newsroom of the Arkansas State Press, the Bates home on West 28th Street in Little Rock, and the threshold of Little Rock Central High School.
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3. The Remarkable Resignation of Dr. Joycelyn Elders Continues at The Rep
4. Say It Loud! Readers and Writers Host Fathers Are Nurturing And Lit featuring Dr. David Miller
5. PRESS RELEASE: Can the Church Preach the Gospel Without Pursuing Justice? Conversation Aug. 25
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information:
Stephanie Jackson | stephanie@designgroupmarketing.com
Can the Church Preach the Gospel Without Pursuing Justice? Nationally Acclaimed Pastor and Author Dr. Charlie Dates to Lead Conversation at Saint Mark
Little Rock, Ark. (Aug. 17, 2026) — Saint Mark Baptist Church will welcome nationally respected pastor, author and theologian, Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates, for an evening of conversation, reflection and fellowship on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Saint Mark, 5722 W. 12th St. The event will feature a conversation between Dr. Dates and Saint Mark Senior Pastor, Dr. Phillip L. Pointer Sr., followed by a book signing. This event is free and open to the public. Central Arkansas clergy, students and civic leaders are encouraged to attend.
Dr. Dates’ new book to be released on Aug. 25, What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness?: Reclaiming the Intersection of Protest and Prayer, challenges readers to rediscover the biblical relationship between justice and righteousness and explores how faithful Christian witness calls believers to embrace both.
Widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading religious voices, Dr. Dates is known for applying biblical scholarship to contemporary issues through his preaching, teaching and public engagement. Dates is senior pastor of both Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago, a unique leadership role overseeing two of the nation’s most historic and influential Black congregations. He also serves as an affiliate professor at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary and Wheaton College.
“The greatest conversations compel us to examine whether our convictions are producing the kind of lives God calls us to live,” Dr. Pointer said. “Dr. Dates has a remarkable ability to bring Scripture to bear on today’s most pressing questions without sacrificing neither truth nor grace. He reminds us that justice is not a political talking point but a biblical expression of God’s righteousness. As both a colleague and a friend, I know this discussion will cause our community to wrestle with long-held assumptions and inspire us to live more faithfully.”
Following the conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Dates during a book signing. Copies of What Hath Justice to Do with Righteousness will be available for purchase onsite through Pyramid Books, Art and Custom Framing.
The evening will also serve as the kickoff to Saint Mark’s fall “Get Fired Up” season, encouraging faith-filled civic engagement. Get Loud Arkansas will provide voter education materials and voter registration, reinforcing the church’s commitment to equipping citizens to faithfully engage in their communities and the democratic process.
Event Details
What: Conversation and Book Signing with Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates
When: Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6:30–8 p.m.
Where: Saint Mark Baptist Church | 5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock, AR 72204
Featuring: Rev. Dr. Charlie E. Dates in conversation with Rev. Dr. Phillip L. Pointer Sr.
Special Features: Book signing, launch of Saint Mark’s “Get Fired Up” voter engagement program
About Saint Mark Baptist Church
Founded in 1892 with only four members in a nameless storehouse, Saint Mark Baptist Church has grown to become one of Arkansas’ largest congregations serving families in Central Arkansas and beyond. From small group lessons on money management, to food programs for the homeless, disaster relief assistance and educational tutoring for youth, Saint Mark uses biblical principles to help its nearly 9,000 members and surrounding community grow in every aspect of their lives. Saint Mark’s ministry includes five live events on Sunday and Wednesday; Growth Factor, a weekly television broadcast and online community; SMYM, a thriving youth ministry; and a robust outreach division. Find us at smark.org or on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, or YouTube @SaintMarkLR.
