Black Caucus fete honors 9 for good works across state

It had all the markings of an old-fashioned political rally, complete with fiery speeches that drew applause and amens. But the 13th annual King-Kennedy Dinner, named for slain civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, was mainly to recognize community servants from across the state.

Hosted by the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus, the ceremony took place Feb. 17 in the Great Hall of the Clinton Presidential Center. The evening began with a wine reception and entertainment by the Lorenzo Smith Jazz Ensemble and Xpressions Performing Arts Inc.

Honorees and their awards were Nicole Hart, the Irma Hunter Brown Women’s Leadership Award; James McCoy, the Thomas E. Patterson Education Award; Lottie Shackelford, one of several President’s Awards; and Ethan Dunbar, the Annie Abrams Community Service Award. Others were Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington, the Dr. Jerry Jewell Government Leadership Award; and Christopher A. Masingill, the Calvin King Economic Development Award.

Also honored were the Rev. Roy Jones Jr., recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Faith Leadership Award; the Rev. Christoph Keller III, presented the John F. Kennedy Compassion Award; and Alan B. Hughes, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Keynote speaker was retired Judge Marion Humphrey. Darrell Stephens, caucus president, made closing remarks. The Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus provides a platform within the Democratic Party of Arkansas to address political concerns of black voters. — Story and photos by

Helaine R. Williams

Quardrick and Kimberly Brumfield and Yolande Hart, all of Jacksonville, with Nicole and Patrick Hart

Marina Ross, Judy Brown, Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington and Lindsay Brown

Angela and the Rev. Roy Jones with their daughter Iona, 12

Lottie Shackelford, Ethan Dunbar of Lewisville and the Rev. Christoph Keller III

Monica and honoree Alan Hughes of Bismarck