Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Jan. 28, 2025 – Several events for Black History Month have been announced as Jonesboro residents prepare to celebrate.

Jonesboro Right Now has compiled a list of local Black History Month events for those wishing to join the celebration.

Feb. 1

Black History Month Kickoff and Open Mic Night:  Hosted by KLEK 102.5 FM, this will be held from 5-8 p.m. at the Legend’s BBQ Smokehouse, 1025 W. Johnson Ave. This free event will kick off KLEK 102.5 FM’s Black History Month 2025 celebration. The Open Mic Night will feature spoken word, poetry, singing, hip hop, comedy, and more.

Feb. 3

A-State’s Night of the Arts: This will be from 6-8 p.m. will be held at the Centennial Hall in the Reng Student Union on the Arkansas State University campus. This public event will feature performers from campus and the community, showcasing acts from the A-State NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council), Jonesboro High Steppers, Brittany Duke, Evolve: The Student Organization, and more.

Feb. 5

2025 Black History Gospel Extravaganza: This event is hosted by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, will be held at 6 p.m. at Riceland Hall inside the Fowler Center on the A-State campus. This free event is open to everyone and will feature a special performance by Melvin Williams, with an evening of Gospel music, inspiration, and celebration as it honors community legends through special presentations celebrating Black history and culture. For more information, contact the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission at 888-290-KING.

The Dean Speaks with Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch: This event will happen at 7 p.m. at the KLEK Studio in Jonesboro. This event will feature Dr. Jones-Branch, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication at Arkansas State University and host of the KLEK 102.5 FM Black History Moments, as she presents “How to Keep Well: African American Health Activism in Early to Mid-Twentieth Century Arkansas,” which will explore historical efforts by Black communities to advocate for better health conditions. This virtual event will be streamed live on the KLEK 102.5 FM Facebook page.

Feb. 7

18th annual Soul Food Dinner and Program: Hosted by the Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter of the A-State Alumni Association, this event will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries building, 115 N. Caraway Road, on the A-State campus. Following a meal, this community-centered event will feature inspiring performances by singers and speakers.

Feb. 8

Mental Health Fair and Black History Museum Tour: This is hosted by KLEK 102.5 FM from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the E. Boone Watson Community Center, 1005 Logan Ave. During this free event, participants can learn more about mental health, get resources for help, participate in mental health conversations, and tour the Jonesboro Black History Museum. For more info call 870-203-9951, visit www.klekfm.org, or email alliej@klekfm.org. Mental health providers can sign up for free to set up booths and educate the public about the resources they offer. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the African American Cultural Center at the E. Boone Watson Center and learn about Black history in Jonesboro.

Feb. 11

Black Business Expo: A-State’s Black Student Association (BSA) will partner with KLEK 102.5 FM to host this event beginning at 6 p.m. with inside Centennial Hall of the Reng Student Union on the A-State campus. This event is part of BSA Week, which will celebrated Feb. 9-13 on the A-State campus. Celebrate Black entrepreneurship by supporting Black-owned businesses and networking with local entrepreneurs.

Feb. 18

Tour of Black Voices: The Student Activities Board will present this event on from 6-8 p.m. in Reng Student Union Auditorium on the A-State campus. This public event will feature guest artist Anitra Jay as she taking the audience on a journey of Black history with captivating songs, videos, and performances.

Feb. 20

Democracy at Work: Your Role, Your Rights, Your Responsibility: This will be hosted by the Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., at 6 p.m. in Reng Student Union Auditorium on the A-State campus. The conversation will explore the importance of civic engagement and the role each individual plays in democracy.

Feb. 22

In God We Trust, Justice For All: African Americans and Labor: This will be hosted by Fisher Street Community in Action and the New St John Missionary Baptist Church at 3:30 p.m. at the New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 308 N. Main St. This will be an afternoon of community connection, free door prizes, and socialization.

Seventh annual Living Legends Awards: Arkansas State University will also host these at 5 p.m. inside Centennial Hall of the Reng Student Union on the A-State campus. Established in 2019, the ceremony highlights A-State alumni and others living in Northeast Arkansas who have enriched their communities, excelled in their fields, and inspired younger generations. This cocktail attire event is open to the public.

Feb. 25

A-State Museum Black History Month Celebration: The Arkansas State University Muesum will unveil its newest exhibit, the Jonesboro Black Business District, from 3-5 p.m. at the A-State Museum on the A-State campus in Jonesboro. This exhibit offers a glimpse into the legacy and contributions of Black-owned businesses in the local community as the display highlights local historic African American entrepreneurs and the tremendous impact they made on their communities. This public event will also feature a panel discussion with Jonesboro natives Caroline Sheppard, Erma Munns, Bernard VanPelt, and Reginald (Ray) Prunty as they share stories and facilitate discussions.

Feb. 28

Black History Month Open House and Proclamation Reading: KLEK 102.5 FM and Glory 104.3 FM will host this from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the KLEK Studio, 1411 Franklin St.. The event will feature a tour of the KLEK Studio and the Glory 104.3 studio, food, and games. The celebration concludes with a special proclamation reading by Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver, reaffirming the importance of Black History Month and KLEK’s commitment to uplifting the community. For more information visit www.klekfm.org.