Upcoming Events & More

The month of September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

You are cordially invited to attend Suicide Prevention: A Community Conversation on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

This event will take place at 6:00pm at 615 South Main Street in Pine Bluff, AR (71601). The host is the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project (DSOP). The sponsor is the Saracen Casino Resort.

Hear from an array of inspiring and informative speakers including:

  • Jane & Joseph of Little Rock, AR — Panelists; Joseph will share his lived experiences and Jane will share how she supports her son.
  • Kymara Seals — Panel Moderator; Founder and Board Chair of DSOP
  • Rosemary White, LCSW — Panelist; Director of Clinical Operations at Jefferson Regional Specialty Hospital (Behavioral Health Unit) in White Hall, AR

Suicide Prevention: A Community Conversation will be livestreamed on Facebook on The Heat Magazine and the D’Andre Seals Prevention Outreach Project.

This community event is free of charge and the general public is encouraged to attend.

September is Arkansas Gospel Music Heritage Month (AGMHM). The 2026 celebration theme is “A Sound of Honor: Celebrating Gospel Heritage in Arkansas.”

A variety of events are scheduled to take place in both Pine Bluff, AR and Little Rock, AR, bringing together gospel music enthusiasts, artists, ministers, youth, community leaders and supporters from across the state to celebrate Arkansas’ rich gospel music legacy.

Under the leadership of State Executive Coordinator Dr. Dedric L. Jones, the AGMHM is designed to honor the contributions of legendary musicians, pastors, church leaders and other individuals whose music and ministries have helped shape the gospel music heritage of Arkansas.

The History of Gospel Music Heritage Month

In June 2008, the United States Congress began recognizing September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. On February 16, 2011, the Arkansas Legislature voted unanimously to commemorate the month of September as “Arkansas Gospel Music Heritage Month.”

The mission of AGMHM is to empower faith-based communities to cross racial, ethnic, religious and geographical boundaries in gospel music and emerge as one body.

Four Days of Gospel Music, Fellowship and Celebration

For the first time ever, a Legends Communion Service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026. This service of remembrance will begin at 3:30pm at Gaines Street Baptist Church, located at 1601 South Gaines Street in Little Rock.

The host pastor is Rev. J. Barrington Minix. Elder Lenora Harris is the AGMHM Intercessory Prayer Coordinator.

This event will feature congregational singing, a Word, prayers and holy communion. Attendees are asked to please wear white.

A Gospel Music Forum is scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2026 at 12:00 noon. This session will be hosted by Melodee Denise Persons and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum. The library and museum is located at 1200 President Clinton Avenue in Little Rock.

A Youth and Young Adult Extravaganza is set for Friday, September 11, 2026. This event will begin at 7:00pm at Skateland, located at 3214 Old Warren Road in Pine Bluff. Special guests include Ricky Ash, Ashton Cheathem, the Wright Crew, Angelic Worshippers, YAS (Young Artist Studio) and many more.

Admission is $10 for both skaters and non-skaters. For more information about the Youth and Young Adult Extravaganza, call 870.872.3506.

A Churchin’ with the Pastors Hymn Fest will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026. This spirited service will begin at 3:00pm with doors opening at 2:15pm. The location is New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 South Ohio Street in Pine Bluff.

The host pastor is Dr. Derick Easter. Bessie Lancelin is the Southeast region coordinator.

The 2026 Hymn Fest will showcase pastors from throughout the region in an afternoon dedicated to the songs, traditions and spiritual heritage that have helped shape gospel music and worship in Arkansas.

Featured pastors include:

  • Pastor Donnell McTyer
  • Pastor Glenn Barnes
  • Pastor Joshua Pickett
  • Pastor RaeShawn Howard
  • Pastor Micheal Williams
  • Pastor Kim Smith
  • Pastor Harold Wade, Sr.
  • Pastor Royce Jackson
  • Pastor Larry Battles
  • Pastor Darren Edgerson
  • Pastor Willie Laws
  • Pastor Jalen Phillips
  • Pastor Jay Forte
  • Pastor Clarissa Pace
  • Pastor Drea Shepherd
  • Pastor Danita Waller-Paige
  • Pastor LaToya Yarbrough
  • Pastor Lee Tyus

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. For more information about Hymn Fest 2026, call 870.413.9351.

The celebration will culminate with the AGMHM Grand Finale on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This evening of honor begins at 6:00pm at Greater Second Baptist Church, located at 5615 Geyer Springs Road in Little Rock. The host pastor is Rev. David L. Featherstone.

Several distinguished honorees will be recognized including Pastor Jerry Black and Gladys McFadden & The Loving Sisters, who will be honored as AGMHM 2026 Trailblazer Honorees.

Marvin Williams and Clifton Blunt, Sr. will also be commemorated as AGMHM 2026 Living Legends.

A special tribute will commemorate numerous distinguished posthumous honorees from throughout Arkansas.

Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson Sr. will receive the distinction of AGMHM 2026 Posthumous Trailblazer Honoree.

AGMHM 2026 Posthumous Honorees, whose lives, ministries and contributions to gospel music and the community continue to be remembered, include the following: Verlee Racy Huskey, Michael Rigsby, Mother Clarissa Coleman, Joyce Williams, Deacon Justus Donahue, Deacon Clewester Wiseman, Carolyn Whitaker, Pamela Harris, Wayne Hayes, Pastor Nieves “Big Kountry” Oglesby, Pastor A. C. Shelton, Anitshenette Golatt, Gloria Beard-Bell, Rev. George Gatewood, Shamar Womack, Charlie Ann Jordan Meredith and Tammie Spivey.

The celebration will also feature an impressive lineup of special guests, including the AGMHM Mass Choir, Pastor Frank Ray, Kim McFarland, Bishop Darrel Petties and many more.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Guests attending the AGMHM Grand Finale are encouraged to wear formal black attire with blue accessories.

AGMHM’s success depends on the generosity and faith of many local partners and sponsors. This celebration stands as a testament to community dedication and collective remembrance of gospel music’s spiritual and cultural influence.

Donations are being accepted to support the AGMHM’s work.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Please make your check payable to Arkansas Gospel Music. Checks may be mailed to:

AGMHM

Post Office Box 6695

Pine Bluff, AR 71611-6695

Donations may also be made using CashApp at $arkansasgospelmusic3.

For more information, media inquiries, or to secure sponsorship opportunities, please contact AGMHM Media Relations Director Shayla Donahue at 870.718.7802 or Arkansasgospelmusic@hotmail.com

To learn more about AGMHM, visit www.arkansasgospelmusic.com.

Are you tired of feeling like you have to do it all?  Then it’s time to put down the cape!

Morgan Farms and Putting Down the Cape presents the Cape Circles Workshop — a powerful space created to help high-capacity women pause, release, reconnect, and recharge.

This transformative session will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. The location is Morgan Farms at 8309 Old Warren Road in Pine Bluff, AR 71603.

The workshop is designed to help women put down the cape of overfunctioning, survival, and emotional exhaustion so they can lead, live, and heal sustainably.

A Space for Real Women. Real Conversations. Real Transformation.

Facilitated by Rev. Tamira D. Valley, founder of Putting Down the Cape and a pastor, author, and speaker, the Cape Circles Workshop will provide an encouraging and empowering environment for women ready to prioritize themselves and embrace a healthier, more sustainable way of living.

During This Workshop, We Will Explore:

✨ Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations

Release the pressure of feeling like you have to be everything to everyone.

☕ Over-Functioning

Understand the hidden cost of doing it all—and discover when and how to stop.

🌱 Mental Health

Prioritize your mental well-being without guilt or apology.

🕯️ Spirituality

Reconnect with God, your purpose, and the woman He created you to be.

Tickets are $55.28. Lunch will be provided. To register, click here. You may also register by scanning in the QR code that appears on the flyer.

It’s time to put down the cape. You don’t have to carry every burden, meet every expectation, or be everything to everybody. Join us for a meaningful experience designed to help you release, restore, and rediscover the freedom to lead, live, and heal sustainably.

Your cape may have carried you this far—but you don’t have to wear it forever. Join the circle. Put down the cape. And make room for YOU.

Pleasant View Ministries Church, located at 1117 North Palm Street in Pine Bluff, AR, will commemorate the 40th Pastoral Anniversary of Dr. William A. Shaw, Jr.!

Two weekends of celebration will include a formal banquet and special services.

The banquet will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The location is the Wilma Anderson Center at 4701 Dollarway Road in Pine Bluff, AR. Tickets are just $40 per person.

The anniversary will culminate with two special services on Sunday, September 27, 2026 — 11:00am and 3:00pm. Guests include Pastor Ronald Neal and New Bethel Ministries of Winchester, AR and many others. Highlights include tributes, music and praise dancers.

“Join us as we honor the faithful leadership, love, and service of our pastor,” says a spokesperson.

Tickets may be purchased for the banquet by check made payable to Pleasant View Ministries or by Cash App at $Pleasantview1117.

The following members have tickets available for purchase:

Dr. Mark Suggs — 870.413.9750 / dwsug1@aol.com

Minister Reggie Cole — 870.872.3521 / regmcole@aol.com

Sis. Lorie Taylor — 870.718.3736 / lorietaylor18@gmail.com

Minister Kim Jones Sneed — 870.872.6485 / kjsneed@stuffinthebluff.com

Sis. Christine Johnson — 870.592.2205

Minister Kathy Kentle — 870.872.9879 / klk1932@yahoo.com

Minister Melva Shelby — 870.550.7894 / mshelby7@yahoo.com

Minister Karen Walker — 501.613.5486 / klwalker1965@gmail.com

Don’t miss the 40th Pastoral Anniversary of Dr. Shaw! We look forward to seeing you there!

Please join the Pine Bluff (AR) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for an afternoon of great music, great vibes, and exclusive party atmosphere at the Emerald Experience – Party With a Purpose! 

The event will be Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at The ARTSpace on Main with live music by SYNRG Band – one of Arkansas’ most energetic bands – along with DJ Deja Blu who will keep the party going!

“We want to bring the community together to raise funds that directly support scholarship opportunities and expand our community programming!” says a spokesperson. 

Get your tickets today! Seating is limited – Secure your sponsorship, reserved table, or individual tickets today! Donations are also accepted if you are not able to attend.

Please click here to complete a sponsorship or donation form.

To purchase tickets, please click on the link below. Sponsorships, tables, and donations may also be made using this same link:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-emerald-experience-party-with-a-purpose

For more information, please send an email to PineBluffARLinksInc@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your support! 

Get ready for Old Saint James Church’s Women’s Conference 2026!

This one-day session will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Registration begins at 8:00am. The conference will convene at 9:00am. The location is Old Saint James Church at 4512 South Ohio Street in Pine Bluff, AR.

Rev. David M. Smith is the pastor.

“This year’s experience is unlike anything we’ve done before. We are bringing everyone together for one powerful, honest, and life-changing “Church Conversation” featuring an incredible panel of women who are ready to have the conversations the Church needs,” says a spokesperson.

The theme is “Love is a Dangerous Game to Play.”

The opening speaker will be Latonya Scott of Old Saint James. The closing speaker will be Dr. Christy Woodbury Moore, associate dean of Doctoral Studies, assistant professor of Spiritual Formation and director of Supervised Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN.

Special musical guests will be Kenbria & The Girls.

Other program participants include Candace Jackson of Destiny Worship Center in Pine Bluff, Katrina Tate of First Trinity Church of God in Christ in Pine Bluff, Cleo Cooper of Mt. Gale Missionary Baptist Church in Conway, AR, Robbie Williams of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and Candace Montgomery of Ignite Life Center in Little Rock, AR.

Registration is $50 per person. Continental breakfast and lunch included.

Register today by clicking here. You may also register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by texting OSJLOVE2026 to 870.397.7448.

Don’t miss Old Saint James’ Women’s Conference 2026!

You are cordially invited to a Community Fall Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2026!

This free event will take place from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm at Greater Battle Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1001 Commerce Road in Pine Bluff, AR.

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon filled with great food, exciting games and fun activities. Enjoy an opportunity to connect with friends, family and neighbors.

This exciting gathering would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each organization, church, business and community partner that is helping make this event a celebration for the entire community!

Our sponsors include the following:

  • Greater Battle Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
  • Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church
  • Greater Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
  • New Morning Star Church
  • Bethel New Bethel Baptist Church
  • First Missionary Baptist Church, Ladd Community
  • Holy Deliverance Abundant Life Ministries
  • Food Smart Cost Plus Outlet
  • New Jericho Missionary Baptist Church
  • Indiana Street Missionary Baptist Church
  • Waste Management
  • Narrow Way Apostolic Deliverance Temple
  • Group Violence Intervention (GVI)
  • Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
  • Jefferson-Lincoln County Circuit Court, 6th Division
  • Super 1 Foods

Don’t miss this special time for community, connection and fall fun!

Together in Faith ~ Building Community ~ Making a Difference.

Save the Dates of Thursday, October 1, 2026, Saturday, October 10, 2026 and Saturday, October 24, 2026! This marks the 12th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness events in memory of Billie Jean “BJ” Jackson!

During this time, we will honor survivors, continue the legacy of those who are no longer with us and focus on women’s health and overall well being.

We’re kicking off the month with a Stepping in Pink for a Purpose line dancing event on October 1! Survivors and supporters are invited to attend from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. The location is 2402 East Harding Avenue in Pine Bluff, AR.

The donation for the line dance is just $5.00 per person. Special guests will be Meme.

Vendors to be present include:  JLC Wellness, Refined Body + Wellness Oasis, Inc. and Sassy Fit Divas.

Join us for a Panel Discussion ~ Unity Through Dialogue : Healing Through Awareness ~ on October 10 at 10:00am. The location is New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church at 3319 South Ohio Street in Pine Bluff, AR.

Panelists are as follows:

  • Berinda Eugene, Moderator and Breast Cancer Advocate
  • Pia Woods, Associate District Director of Delta UADA | CES | Delta District
  • Charlotte Martin – 12 Year Breast Cancer Survivor
  • Sandra Fisher – 7 Year Breast Cancer Survivor
  • Kristen Krauss, LPC, NCC, PMH-C Carti Cancer Center
  • Dr. Sam Makhoul, M.D. FASCO, Carti Cancer Center

Don’t miss the 5K Walk/Run on October 24 at 9:00am. The location is the Lake Saracen Pavilion at 200 Lake Saracen Drive in Pine Bluff.

There will be free health screenings, live entertainment, vendors, a Kids Zone and uplifting fellowship.

Register yourself, family, group, team or organization today! The fee is $40 for ages 12 and up, which includes a commemorative t-shirt. The registration deadline to receive a commemorative 5K Walk/Run shirt is October 10, 2026.

To complete the registration form, click here or scan in the QR code on the flyer.

It’s not too late to train for the 5K Walk/Run! Join Tre Cole & 870 Run Club Saturdays at 8:00am at Lake Saracen.

Calling all businesses! Vendors are wanted for the 5K Walk/Run event. Spots are limited. Register as a vendor now by clicking here.

For more information about 12th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness events, visit www.bjlegacy.org or email bjjacksonfightcurelegacy@yahoo.com.