Black History

Exhibit At UA Little Rock Explores Black Art From 150 Years Ago To Today

By MaKayla Ealy • Feb 7, 2019

On Their Own Terms — MaKayla Ealy / KUAR News

An exhibit celebrating black art is now on display at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 37 African-American artists and about 50 installations are included in the show On Their Own Terms which features vintage works of art alongside contemporary works.

Arkansas-Native Sister Rosetta Tharpe Among 2018 Rock Hall Of Fame Inductees

By Michael Hibblen • Dec 13, 2017

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneering gospel singer and guitar player from Arkansas, will be among the 2018 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was born in the Woodruff County town of Cotton Plant in 1915 and achieved fame in the 1930s. Tharpe was among six acts announced Wednesday for next year's induction ceremony and will be honored in the category Early Influences.

Stephen Koch, host of the weekly feature Arkansongs, says given her influence, it’s an honor long overdue. He spoke with KUAR during All Things Considered.

Little Rock Celebrates King Holiday Without Mention Of General Lee

By Associated Press • Jan 18, 2016

Many gathered for events throughout Little Rock celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day, from the annual "marade" organized by the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP, to a day of service at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

While Arkansas also marked Robert E. Lee Day Monday, few events around the state honored the Confederate Civil War general. Supporters, including the state chapter of the Sons of the Confederacy, say they will celebrate Lee's actual Jan. 19 birthday Tuesday.

One Of Last Original Tuskegee Airmen Instructors Dies At 96

By Associated Press • Nov 18, 2015

Milton Pitts Crenchaw, a flight instructor who trained many of the U.S. military's Tuskegee Airmen, has died in Georgia. He was 96.

Crenchaw's daughter, Dolores Singleton, said he died Tuesday at Piedmont Henry Hospital near Atlanta after battling cardiovascular disease and pneumonia.

Singleton said her father, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas, was among the last surviving instructors of the Tuskegee Airmen. They were the first African-Americans to fly combat airplanes in World War II.