Lindsey Leverett

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Bechet, President of the NWA Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, and MyKala Wallace, President of the Pi Chi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., to explore the critical role of voter education in our communities. Together, we delve into the innovative strategies their organizations are implementing to enhance voter awareness and mobilization efforts. Tune in to learn how these leaders are making a difference and inspiring civic engagement in Northwest Arkansas.

In this episode we speak to Joi McGowan, from Amani Counseling about mental health. What it takes to be resilient in our mental health. Good mental health practices for minority communities and her journey to bring help, health and joy to Black and Brown people.

In this episode we speak to Dr. Syard Evans, CEO of Arkansas Support Network. We talk about her work at Arkansas Support Network and her broader advocacy work for people with disabilities; their families and ensuring they have equity in society and within our government systems.

NWA MLK Council president and treasurer Lindsey Leverett Higgins and Chris Seawood talk with IMPACT Period founder and current Historic Black District project manager for NWA Black Heritage, Emma Willis on her past project work and her current work in Nortwest Arkansas included the historic and momentous work of the Historic Black District in South Fayetteville.

Join NWA MLK Council president Lindsey Leverett-Higgins and treasurer Chris Seawood as they speak with Alice Gachuzo-Colin. They discuss her work in Springdale, her activism; and historic run for Springdale City council.

Chris and Lindsey sit down with a man well-known in Fayetteville, as an educator, leader, friend, mentor, and advocate, Dr. John Colbert. Dr. Colbert recently retired as the twelfth superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools. In his ground-breaking 46 year career, 43 years with Fayetteville Public Schools, he has served as the district’s first African-American special education teacher, the first African-American principal, and the first African-American superintendent. He is also the first FPS staff member to rise through the ranks from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent to superintendent.

For our fourth episode, Lindsey and Chris introduce and discuss The State of Black NWA, a groundbreaking community-wide initiative designed to amplify the voices of the Black community across Northwest Arkansas (NWA). The Council is launching the census project to gain a deeper understanding of the quality of life in Northwest Arkansas, with a particular focus on members of the Black community.The State of Black NWA census is for individuals who identify as Black or are descendants of the African diaspora living in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) and is available here.

Dr. Danielle Williams, Assistant Vice Chancellor & Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance and member of the NWA MLK Council, talks with Chris and Lindsey about the history, evolution, and meaning of Juneteenth, now a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas at the end of the Civil War. University of Arkansas' 26th annual celebration of Juneteenth. Freedom Fest will take place at Shiloh Square in Springdale, June 17th from 1-9 p.m with musical performances by Bone Thugs N Harmony, the Ohio Players, Young Joc, the Funk Factory, and more. Freedom Fest is a family-friendly, free event.

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is urging people to get flood insurance. Also, a Juneteenth conversation from The BeLOVEd Community, and a review committee hopes lower Arkansas' high maternal mortality rate. Plus, a summary of news ranging from funds to improve railroad crossing safety, to the rising number of telehealth visits for pregnancies in the state.

The latest edition of The BeLOVEd Community includes a conversation about Juneteenth and thinking beyond the holiday.