It might be said that the third Saturday each October belongs to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The black-tie event provides just as much an education as it does pageantry. The Oct. 17 edition, the 23rd annual incarnation of the Hall of Fame, was no exception.
Prior to the gala, VIP guests gathered at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion to mingle over drinks and hors d'oeuvres and meet the 2015 inductees: comedian and actress Luenell Batson; Mildred Barnes Griggs, retired professor, lawyer and farmer's advocate; Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Cortez Kennedy; the Rev. Donnie L. Lindsey Sr., retired bishop of the Second Jurisdiction of Arkansas, Church of God in Christ; and dance instructor C. Michael Tidwell. Meenakshi Reed represented her husband, the late Dr. Eddie Reed.
The main event, chaired by Charles Stewart, took place in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center. Honorary co-chairmen were Gov. Asa Hutchison (in absentia) and Oscar Washington of Entergy Arkansas. Emmy award-winning journalist Vickie Newton returned as master of ceremonies for a program that featured a spoken word presentation by Ron McAdoo prior to award conferrals and honoree remarks.
Introducing Griggs was Ora Barnes Stevens, a retired Arkansas Department of Education official. Former state Rep. Joe Harris introduced Kennedy. Bishop Robert Rudolph Jr., assistant general secretary of the Church of God in Christ, introduced the much-cheered Lindsey.
Washington introduced Batson, a Tollette native who goes by her first name professionally. Hazell Reed, retired vice chancellor for North Carolina State University, shared memories and gave accolades to his late brother and introduced Meenakshi Reed. Philanthropist and former Arkansan Beverly Lofton introduced Tidwell ... whose troupe, the Tidwell Project, performed as it has for the 22 previous induction ceremonies.
The gala is the major fundraiser for the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, which offers grants to organizations that serve projects focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, and small-business and economic development.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 10/25/2015