Arkansas Black Officials in Reconstruction
June 6 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm CDT
The Black History Commission of Arkansas with the Arkansas State Archives 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. Teachers can earn up to 3 hours of Teacher PDH credit.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Deadline to register is May 26, 2026. Register through Eventbrite.