Upcoming Events & More
The City of Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas (SEARK) College have joined forces to launch “Pine Bluff Glow Up,” a citywide beautification initiative focused on cleaning neighborhoods, improving public spaces, combating blight, and restoring pride throughout the community.
The initiative originated with Dr. Steven R. Monk of SEARK College, who developed the “Pine Bluff Glow Up” concept and brought the idea to City leaders as an opportunity for SEARK and the City to work together to inspire community-wide action. The collaboration has since grown to include the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful Commission, building upon existing efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant Pine Bluff.
“SEARK College believes that our responsibility to this community extends beyond the walls of our campus,” said Dr. Tyrone Jackson, president of SEARK College. “When Dr. Monk brought forward the vision for ‘Pine Bluff Glow Up,’ we saw an opportunity to bring people and organizations together around something we all share — a sense of pride in the place we call home. We are grateful to Mayor Flowers, the City of Pine Bluff, the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful Commission and every community partner who has embraced this vision. This is what collaboration looks like, and this is how meaningful change begins.”
“Pine Bluff Glow Up” kicked off with a citywide cleanup on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8:30am to 11:00am, in partnership with SEARK College and the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Clean and Beautiful Commission. Residents, businesses, churches, neighborhood associations, civic organizations, and other community groups are encouraged to participate.
The October 3rd cleanup will also feature “Ward Wars,” a friendly competition encouraging residents from Pine Bluff’s four wards to demonstrate their community pride through participation. Following the cleanup, volunteers will be invited to a community cookout from 11:30am to 2:00pm.
“A cleaner Pine Bluff starts with us,” said Dr. Monk, an English faculty member at SEARK College. “This doesn’t require special equipment. Grab a friend, grab a garbage bag, and take a walk in your community. Every piece of litter we pick up is a win for our city.”
Residents, businesses, and all organizations interested in participating may register at www.pinebluffglowup.com.
However, “Pine Bluff Glow Up” is more than a one-day cleanup. It represents a sustained commitment to addressing litter, abandoned vehicles, neglected properties, and other forms of blight that have affected areas throughout Pine Bluff for decades. Future efforts will include additional cleanups, neighborhood beautification projects, blight-removal initiatives, public-space improvements, and community partnerships.
“City government is prioritizing the cleanup and beautification of Pine Bluff, but lasting progress will require all of us,” said Mayor Vivian Flowers. “Residents, property owners, businesses, churches, schools, and community organizations each have a role to play. ‘Pine Bluff Glow Up’ is about restoring pride in our neighborhoods and demonstrating what we can accomplish when we work together.”
The initiative builds upon the City’s ongoing work to strengthen code enforcement and address unsafe, abandoned, and neglected properties. Through increased enforcement, improved accountability for property conditions, and the continued identification and removal of condemned structures, the City is working to eliminate blight that threatens neighborhood safety, stability, and quality of life.
“Pine Bluff Glow Up” also builds on the City’s existing Clean Up Pine Bluff campaign. The Mayor’s Office has partnered with local towing companies to offer residents free removal of inoperable or abandoned vehicles from September 9, 2026 through October 9, 2026. Residents can request assistance by calling 870.329.1681 or the Mayor’s Office at 870.730.2000, extension 7.
“Beautification is about more than appearance,” Mayor Flowers added. “Clean and well maintained neighborhoods strengthen community pride, support public safety, encourage economic development, and show residents, visitors, and investors that Pine Bluff is a city worthy of care and investment.”
About Pine Bluff Glow Up
“Pine Bluff Glow Up” is a citywide beautification and neighborhood-improvement initiative led by the City of Pine Bluff and Southeast Arkansas College in partnership with residents, businesses, churches, and community organizations. The initiative supports the City’s continuing efforts to eliminate blight, improve public spaces, and create a cleaner, safer, and more attractive Pine Bluff.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Homecoming celebration is underway October 11-17, 2026. This annual week-long observance brings together alumni, students, faculty and fans from across the country.
UAPB’s Homecoming continues a rich HBCU tradition in Pine Bluff, AR with lively activities, including a parade, concerts, Greek step shows, reunions, open houses, a golf tournament, outdoor festivals, and an exciting football game against Alabama State.
And we are honored to welcome Alumna Tanesha D. Thompson (shown in photo), president of the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association, as the 2026 Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal.
Thompson is a proud 1997 graduate of UAPB and a dedicated leader in alumni engagement and community service. She also holds a master’s degree in education from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. She joined the Greater Kansas City Alumni Chapter in 2007 and has served on the chapter’s Executive Board since 2009, holding roles including recording secretary, 2nd vice president, 1st vice president and chapter president. She has also served as scholarship chair since 2009, helping to award more than $90,000 in scholarships to students from the Greater Kansas City area attending UAPB.
This year’s theme is: “A Different ROAR.” UAPB Political Science Professor Henry Brooks IV, chair of the Homecoming Committee, shared insight on the theme’s meaning.
“A Different ROAR was inspired by ‘A Different World,’ the television show that helped shine a spotlight on the Historically Black College and University experience. By replacing ‘World’ with ‘Roar,’ we put a UAPB twist on a cultural touchstone that still resonates today. As HBCUs attract students looking for community, opportunity, and belonging, the theme celebrates what makes UAPB unique. UAPB offers that HBCU experience right here in Arkansas. We are different from other universities in our state, and that difference is something worth celebrating,” Brooks said.
He discussed the special aspect of Homecoming and how it benefits alums, visitors and future students.
“Homecoming gives us an opportunity to welcome our alumni home, introduce visitors and prospective students to the UAPB family, and remind our current students that they are part of a legacy much larger than themselves. This Homecoming invites alumni, students, and friends to celebrate the fact that UAPB is, and has always been, a different roar,” Professor Brooks said.
The upcoming schedule and key events are as follows:
Sunday, October 11 is Black and Gold Sunday – UAPB Day. This free event begins at 10:30 a.m. at Full Counsel Ministries, located at 517 Cherry Street in Pine Bluff. The sponsor is the UAPB Chapter – Word of Faith Student Fellowship Organization. Join in on the 25th year of celebrating the UAPB Homecoming Sunday Kickoff!
Later that day, a Homecoming Gospel Extravaganza will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the STEM Conference Center on the UAPB campus. Enjoy an evening of inspirational music, fellowship and community. For additional information, contact Courtney Jackson, director of the L.A. Davis Student Union, at 870-575-8925 or jacksonc@uapb.edu.
Monday, October 12 marks the start of a Door Decorating Competition. The campus community will be encouraged to show their Homecoming spirit by decorating office and dorm doors. The best decorated doors on the UAPB campus will win!
Special Note: Area residents are welcomed to show off their Homecoming spirit as well by decorating their office, business, organization and residential doors!
Other events on Monday include a Citywide Coloring Contest. The winner will be announced on Thursday, October 15.
Finally, the Student Government Association Inauguration Dinner will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the STEM Conference Center on the UAPB campus. (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, October 13 is the Official Homecoming Kickoff from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower on the UAPB campus.
Wednesday, October 14 is Pretty Wednesday: Homecoming Edition from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the W.E.O’Bryant Bell Tower.
Later that evening, the Coronation Ceremony will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) followed by the Coronation Ball from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Both events will take place in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex on the UAPB campus. A clear bag policy will be in effect.
Thursday, October 15 begins with the Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament at Harbor Oaks Golf Course, located at 1 Harbor Oaks Drive in Pine Bluff. Registration for this event is closed.
Later that day, the UAPB/AM&N Letter “A” Club will host its Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts Center Auditorium located on the UAPB campus.
Later that evening, an All White Affair Concert celebrating the timeless music of Frankie Beverly & Maze will take place at 8:00 p.m. The location is the Pine Bluff Convention Center at 1 Convention Center Drive in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Join Gold Standard Collective and the award-winning Funk Factory Band for this event that will benefit the UAPB Department of Athletics. Tickets are $45 per person and $100 for VIP. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/all-white-affair-concert-tribute-to-frankie-beverly-and-maze. A clear bag policy will be in effect.
Other events on Thursday include Food Truck and Novelties from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and a Homecoming Bonfire from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Both will take place on the parking lot of the Kenneth L. Johnson HPER Complex.
On Friday, October 16, UAPB hosts the Annual Alumni Assembly at 9:00 a.m. The location is the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson HPER Complex. A clear bag policy will be in effect.
Following the assembly, the Yard Fest will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the W.E. O’Bryant Bell Tower.
In addition, the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association will host its Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. A clear bag policy will be in effect.
During this event, the Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored and the 2026 Alumni Queen and King will be crowned.
Tickets are $85 per person and may be purchased by visiting https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/uapbamandn-national-alumni-association-2026-alumni-luncheon For more information, call the National Alumni Association at 870-536-2309.
Other events include UAPB’s Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South Homecoming Round Up in the Howard-Hathaway Fine Arts Center (Band Room).
In addition, a Homecoming Greek Show will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson HPER Complex. (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.) A clear bag policy will be enforced. This event will feature a special guest performance by Skilla Baby.
The general public may purchase tickets by clicking this link: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new//Buy.asp?EventID=361929#
Other events for Saturday include the Annual Homecoming Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street in Downtown Pine Bluff.
Following the parade will be the Homecoming Football Game featuring the Golden Lions vs. Alabama State. Kickoff is at 2:00 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff.
After the game, a Homecoming Battle Royale (High School Battle of the Bands) will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson HPER Complex. A clear bag policy will be enforced.
Later that evening, the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association will host its celebration of FIFTY Under 50 Outstanding Young Alumni. The All Black Affair will begin at 8:00 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This event is sold out. A clear bag policy will be in effect. For more information, call the National Alumni Association at 870-536-2309.
To stay up to date on all the latest UAPB Homecoming events and activities, visit https://uapb.edu/homecoming-2026/
Greater Ward Chapel AME Church presents a Sons of Allen (SOA) Service on Sunday, October 18, 2026. This service will begin at 11:00am at the church, which is located at 3700 West 6th Avenue in Pine Bluff, AR.
Reverend Cleandrea M. Gatson is the pastor. The guest speaker will be University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Chancellor Anthony Graham, Ph.D.
Past and present Sons of Allen, UAPB alumni, family and friends are invited to celebrate UAPB’s Homecoming during this SOA Service, according to a post on the church’s Facebook page.
INFORMATION WORTH NOTING ABOUT THE SONS OF ALLEN AND GREATER WARD CHAPEL AME CHURCH
The Sons of Allen (SOA) Men’s Fellowship is the official men’s ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, developing strong, active male leadership to serve both the altar and the community through spiritual growth, fellowship, and meaningful service among the men of the denomination. Ministry guidelines suggest a focus on several core pillars: Evangelism, Discipleship, Family Support, Youth Mentorship and Community Advocacy.
The SOA Ministry was officially created in 1984. It was named in honor of Bishop Richard Allen, who founded the AME Church in 1816 as the first independent Black denomination in the United States.
Allen was a former slave, a fearless abolitionist, and a community builder who fought fiercely for self-determination, racial equality, and economic justice.
Greater Ward Chapel AME Church is the home church of the late long-time educator Dorothy McFadden, Joyce Bracy Vaughan, Dr. Michael Turley, former candidate for Jefferson County Judge, Evelyn Blunt and the late Alderman Levert Blunt.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Recognizing that an act of domestic violence occurs every minute, the Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD) would like for you to join them in the 2026 Domestic Violence Walk.
This event will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm. The location is the front of Pine Bluff City Hall at 200 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff, AR.
Shawn Davis is the PBPD’s chief of police. The Honorable Vivian Flowers is the mayor.
“This goal of this walk is to raise awareness about domestic violence and to show support to victims,” reads a post on the PBPD’s Facebook page. “Domestic violence affects men and women, all ages and races.”
This is a free community event open to the general public.
“No one should live in fear. If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, help is available. Call 800-799-SAFE. Text START to 88788. If you or someone you know is in immediate physical danger, call 911,” read a post on the PBPD’s Facebook page.
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to its 74th Annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry!
This event will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Hestand Stadium, located at 420 North Blake Street in Pine Bluff, AR. Gates open at 5:00pm.
Catering will be provided by King Kat. The cost is $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non Chamber members.
“We’re honoring Jefferson County Agribusinesses,” says a spokesperson.
For more information, call 870.535.0110.
Get ready for an evening of fall fun, food, games and exciting activities for the entire family!
The Pine Bluff Police Department (PBPD) invites you to its Fall Festival on Saturday, October 31, 2026! This event will take place from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, located at 1 Convention Center Plaza in Pine Bluff, AR.
Shawn Davis is the PBPD’s chief of police. The Honorable Vivian Flowers is the mayor.
The PBPD’s Fall Festival is free of charge and will feature free candy, games, costume contest, Bingo, food, frights and fun!
Dress up in your favorite costume, enjoy good food and get ready to have a trick or treating good time with the PBPD, your friends, family and our community partners!
Don’t miss this spooktacular evening of Halloween fun! We look forward to seeing you there!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! During this time, we focus on strength, community, celebration and awareness!
Get ready for the 12th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness events in memory of Billie Jean “BJ” Jackson! 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.
Don’t miss the 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 24, 2026 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.
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.
“Survivors, this is YOUR invitation to all three events,” said a spokesperson. “You conquered. You fought. Now come live, laugh, celebrate and bring your survivor energy!”
For more information about 12th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness events, visit www.bjlegacy.org or email bjjacksonfightcurelegacy@yahoo.com.
Join us for a special afternoon of celebration, worship, and thanksgiving as we honor Pastor S.E. Shaw and Lady Cassandra Shaw for 15 years of faithful leadership, dedication, and service!
New Faith Missionary Missionary Baptist Church cordially invites you this Pastoral Anniversary service on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 3:00pm. The church is located at 3800 South Fir Street in Pine Bluff, AR.
The theme is: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” — Jeremiah 3:15
This anniversary program will recognize Pastor and Lady Shaw’s commitment to shepherding God’s people, serving the community, and leading with wisdom, compassion, and faithfulness.
The guest preacher will be Pastor Fred Wisemon of Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Moscow, AR.
Come celebrate this remarkable milestone as members, family and friends express their gratitude for 15 years of pastoral excellence. Your presence will help make this occasion even more meaningful. We look forward to seeing you!
Save the Date for the Fourth Annual Corvettes and Veterans Salute and Ceremony!
This year’s event is set for Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 9:30am to 3:00pm. The location is War Memorial Stadium at 1 Stadium Drive in Little Rock, AR.
The Corvettes and Veterans Salute and Ceremony is being presented by Jason Irby along with the Jason Irby Innovation Foundation, American Legion, Sequoyah National Research Center, WoodmenLife, Tracey Lynn Foundation, War Memorial Stadium and Slick Auto Care.
“Expect a fun family day of exhibits, on-site parade, food, presentations, cars and more,” Irby said. “A huge American flag is being presented by WoodmenLife.”
He added that Vince Sherrill, host of “Fishing with Big Sarge” and “Fishing Arkansas,” will again serve as emcee. Additional details, including a full list of participants and activities, are forthcoming.
This Salute and Ceremony is free of charge and open to the public.
For more information, please send an email to jasonirbyinnovationfoundation@gmail.com or corvettesandveterans@gmail.com
To learn more about the Salute and Ceremony, click here.