Black History program returns
Stuttgart’s Celebrating Culture Black History program is back for another celebration. Debuting in 2023, the event will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the Grand Prairie Center in Stuttgart located at 2807 US 165.
The vision and now tradition of Executive Director Joe Alexander will recognize local leaders in the community who exemplify community service, leadership and an overall positive impact.
“We will be handing out community service and high achievement awards to Stuttgart natives and local citizens who have positively impacted our youth and city,” said Alexander.
A Stuttgart native, attorney Furonda Brasfield, will receive the award as the “2023 Person of the Year” and will be the keynote speaker. Brasfield is a former model featured as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. She also had acting roles in several television series.
Brasfield is now the managing attorney at the law office of Furonda Brasfield. In addition to numerous volunteer and civic involvements, Brasfield is a member of Decarcerate, the Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System Steering Committee, the NAACP, and Longley Baptist Church.
Brasfield was selected to receive support in launching a small practice in rural Arkansas by the Bowen Law School’s Rural Practice Incubator Program. She then returned home to Stuttgart to open a general practice. Brasfield’s legal and professional experience includes work with the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, the city of Pine Bluff, the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission and Legal Aid of Arkansas in Helena, according to the law school. She is a 2009 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a 2015 graduate of the Bowen School of Law.
“Although many people
may remember her as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, Attorney Brasfield can be seen fighting for justice all over the state of Arkansas and beyond,” said Alexander.
The event will be co-hosted by KARK news anchor Gary Burton Jr. and Ariel Alexander, founder and host of the Grade “A” Talks podcast. The event will include spoken word and poetry, song selections, and a guest appearance by the Country Grammar Steppaz.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Admission is free for children 18 and under. Cultural or African attire is encouraged.
“This is a family event and all surrounding communities are welcome to attend,” said Alexander. “Our mission is to continue to be a beacon of light for our community and to promote love, unity, and peace.”