Arkansas Black Officials in Reconstruction

The Black History Commission of Arkansas will host its June symposium, “Arkansas Black Officials in Reconstruction” on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock.

Featured speakers include Matthew Caston, Dr. Donna Shelton, Phyllis Hammonds, Mayor Ora Barnes and Pastor Jarvis Smith. Topics include “Rush to Freedom: The Story of Anderson Louis Rush,” “Gilded Age Grassroots Politics in the Arkansas Delta,” “Local to State Black Political Power in the Late Nineteenth Century,” and “A discussion on the successes, obstacles, and distinct personalities of 10 legislators who represented Phillips and Lee Counties during Reconstruction.”

Light refreshments will be served.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Deadline to register is May 26, 2026. Teachers can earn up to 3 hours of Teacher PDH credit. For more information, visit: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/events?agencies=ASA

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Host or Publisher Black History Commission of Arkansas