BHCA and the Arkansas State Archives Annual Symposium

From 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, the Black History Commission of Arkansas and the Arkansas State Archives will host its annual symposium at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.
“Shaping the Future of Education: Black Education Then and Now” will feature three presenters. Educator and researcher Matthew Caston will present A New Theory of Learning: The Legacy of the 56 which will focus on the creation of Southland College by members of the 5th United States Colored Troops in Helena. Charles King, executive director for development at Southeast Arkansas College, will present Free Education, Ain’t Free, which will focus on the history of funding and administrative support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ralph Wilcox, National Register and Survey Coordinator/Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, will present Rosenwald Schools: The Southern Educational Legacy of Philanthropic Julius Rosenwald, which will examine the history of Rosenwald Schools.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided Parking is available behind the museum. Teachers can receive up to three hours of continuing education credits for attendance. To register, visit:

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Host or Publisher Black History Commission of Arkansas