The African American Coalition of Arkansas hosted its annual Douglass–Lincoln Luncheon, bringing together community leaders, elected officials and supporters to celebrate education, leadership and civic engagement.
During the event, the coalition awarded three scholarships to outstanding students from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The recipients were Kassidy Maloney and Desmond Harris, both majoring in health, physical education and recreation, and Braylen Stephens, an agricultural business major. The scholarships recognize academic achievement and a commitment to leadership and service.
The African American Coalition of Arkansas is dedicated to empowering African American communities through education, civic engagement, leadership development and economic advancement. The organization has made higher education a cornerstone of its mission, using scholarships and mentorship to support students across the state.
U.S. Rep. French Hill, who represents Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District, served as the keynote speaker. Hill also serves as co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus alongside U.S. Rep. Alma Adams of North Carolina. The caucus has played a key role in securing more than $1 billion in debt forgiveness for Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide.
Coalition leaders noted that this year’s awards mark the fourth round of scholarships the organization has presented to HBCUs in Arkansas.
Through its annual Douglass–Lincoln Luncheon and scholarship program, the African American Coalition of Arkansas continues to invest in the next generation of leaders while promoting academic excellence, professional development and meaningful community impact statewide.
