URBANE Magazine

08/17/2026

Good read.

“They immediately said, ‘Do not mention this to anyone.’ They said to keep researching, but don’t say anything about it because they might be watching,“ researcher Tessa Wahlquist said. “They” were members of the Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders administration.

08/16/2026

URBANEXtra | Around Arkansas

You don’t have to look far around Fort Smith to see the name and image of Bass Reeves standing tall.

Born enslaved in Arkansas, Reeves became one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi and one of the most respected lawmen of the American frontier. Fort Smith played a significant role in his legendary career, and the city has made sure to recognize his legacy.

From murals throughout the city to the striking Bass Reeves Legacy Monument at Ross Pendergraft Park—a larger-than-life bronze depiction of Reeves on horseback—his story has been given prominence.

There is something powerful about seeing a Black man who helped shape Arkansas—and American—history honored publicly, intentionally, and beautifully.

Thank you, Fort Smith, for making sure Bass Reeves is not only remembered, but seen.

Because our history belongs in the landscape, too.

08/16/2026

URBANEXtra | Around Arkansas

You don’t have to look far around Fort Smith to see the name and image of Bass Reeves standing tall.

Born enslaved in Arkansas, Reeves became one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi and one of the most respected lawmen of the American frontier. Fort Smith played a significant role in his legendary career, and the city has made sure to recognize his legacy.

From murals throughout the city to the striking Bass Reeves Legacy Monument at Ross Pendergraft Park—a larger-than-life bronze depiction of Reeves on horseback—his story has been given prominence.

There is something powerful about seeing a Black man who helped shape Arkansas—and American—history honored publicly, intentionally, and beautifully.

Thank you, Fort Smith, for making sure Bass Reeves is not only remembered, but seen.

Because our history belongs in the landscape, too.

08/14/2026

DID YOU KNOW….

Issue 33 has dropped AND is available for purchase at Pyramid Art Books & Cstm Frmng located at 1001 Wright Avenue in Little Rock.

INSIDE ISSUE 33 >>>>

COVER STORY
Making Things Happen for Central Arkansas’ Children - Learn about the mission of Tendaji CDC to help youth in Little Rock and surrounding areas

FEATURES
- Arkansas Black History – Black Soldiers. Arkansas Heroes.
- Community – Arkansas Black First Responders, including a special highlight of Little Rock Firefighter Kentrell Shepard
- URBANE Magazine’s Finest of 2026 Winners
- Education – Black Arkansans in Education
- Nonprofit – Heart & Soles: From Soul to Sole
- Politics – A Bigger Table: Dr. Chris Jones Runs for Congress

PLUS
• NishaSPEAKS
• URBANE Book Club Picks
• Community highlights, culture, and more

⸻

CONTRIBUTORS
- Janee Miller

⸻

Support independent Black media in Arkansas. Secure your copy today!

Order here: www.TheURBANEMag.com

AfterPay is available for online purchases

08/13/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Joycelyn Elders!

Schall, Arkansas native Dr. Joycelyn Elders was appointed the 15th Surgeon General of the United States in 1993, becoming the first African American and the second woman in the role. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton, who, as Governor, had appointed Dr. Elders as head of the Arkansas Department of Health from 1987-1992. Dr. Elders served as Surgeon General for 15 months and, in 1995, returned to the University of Arkansas as a faculty researcher and professor of pediatric endocrinology at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Today, Philander Smith University’s School of Allied & Public Health building is named in her honor.

source: Britannica.com

08/12/2026

URBANExtra | Community

Just in case y’all missed it…Moses Moody brought an NBA championship energy home to Arkansas…and Steph Curry with him!

Through the Motivate One Foundation Summer Series, Moses used the weekend to pour back into the community that helped shape him.

Food distribution, youth programming, golf, career and skilled-trades exposure, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and more.

And even Isaiah Joe joined the festivities!

Moses’ Motivate One Foundation has also brought names like Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Rich Paul to Arkansas. And URBANE applauds his efforts to impact his hometown!

Catch a glimpse of the weekend through our lens…and at www.TheURBANEMag.com in the Photo Gallery!

08/08/2026

With a little curiosity and research, a long-lost African American cemetery dating to the early 1900s was found in Hot Springs. See more at the 🔗 in the comments.

08/06/2026

URBANEXtra | Around Town

Have you checked the latest additions to the URBANE Photo Gallery?

You just might find a familiar face!!

We’ve added new galleries featuring moments, memories, and the people who continue to shape Black Arkansas. Whether you attended the events or simply want to see what you missed, now’s the perfect time to take a look!

See if you made the gallery—and tag the people you recognize.

Link in bio - www.TheURBANEMag.com/Gallery

07/29/2026

Are you expecting?!🤰🏾

Researchers at UAMS are looking for pregnant Arkansans to help shape future maternal health research by sharing their experiences with Arkansas’ summer heat.

Here’s what you need to know:
- 60-minute virtual Zoom interview
- $50 gift card for completing the interview
- Must be 18+, live in Arkansas, have a smartphone, and be pregnant between now and October
💵 Select participants may qualify for Phase 2 and receive up to an additional $175 in gift cards.

Your experiences could help improve guidance and support for moms-to-be across Arkansas as our summers continue to get hotter.

Interested? Visit redcap.link/heatandpregnancystudy or email [email protected] for more information.

Disclaimer: URBANE Magazine is sharing this opportunity as a community resource only. URBANE is not affiliated with, sponsoring, administering, or responsible for this research study, participant selection, compensation, or any aspect of the project. Please direct all questions to the UAMS research team.

07/29/2026

Jodeci is bringing 35 years of R&B classics to The Theater at Simmons Bank Arena on December 1, 2026! Get ready to sing every word to Forever My Lady, Come & Talk to Me, Freak’n You, and more.

Who’s grabbing tickets?