URBANE Stories

ENTERTAINMENT // Movie

From Little Rock to Lionsgate

Black excellence was unapologetically on display at the private screening of Shadow Force, Lionsgate's high-octane action thriller that’s already making waves in theaters. Co-written by Leon Chills, a proud Little Rock native, Shadow Force is more than just another action movie. It’s a statement.

by Dianna D. Donahue // May 9.2025

POLITICAL // Campaign

Judge Wendell Griffen Eyes Pulaski County Judge Seat in 2026

Retired Judge Wendell Griffen, known for his powerful voice and unwavering commitment to justice, publicly shared the committee’s bold vision—a vision grounded in service, equity, and community growth. In a 2024 blog post, he tell why he's stepping back into the political arena to campaign.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Mar.23.2025

COMMUNITY // Youth

Team ISO Joe Tips Off Season with Community Celebration and Inspiring Q&A with Joe Johnson

The local community and ISO Joe supporters gathered on Sunday, March 23, to celebrate Team Iso Joe’s basketball season opener with a special meet-and-greet social, bringing together young athletes, fans, and basketball enthusiasts for an evening of inspiration and connection.

by Sydney Ambrus // Mar.23.2025

HEALTH // Childbirth

The Doula Alliance of Arkansas is Officially Founded and Seeking an Executive Director

The Doula Alliance of Arkansas recently announced its much-anticipated founding. This new entity’s mission is to collaborate with the physician community to improve Arkansas’s maternal health outcomes in Arkansas, advance the profession of birth work through advocacy and education, improve access to high-quality doula services statewide, and provide a professional support system for Arkansas doulas.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Aug.13.2024

COMMUNITY // Health Center

The First Community Health Center in Arkansas Announces Exciting Rebranding Initiative

Lee County Cooperative Clinic (LCCC), a cornerstone of community healthcare for 55 years, is thrilled to unveil its new brand identity. Today, during the dedication ceremony for their new 20,000-square-foot facility, LCCC unveiled their rebranding including operating under the new DBA name Olly Neal Community Health Center.

by Dr. Kellee Mitchell // Jun.28.2024

EDUCATION // Black Male Educators

Shop Talk with Black Male Educators

The Little Rock School District hosted its inaugural Black Male Educator Summit designed to ignite a movement that inspires others to step up, create, and lead initiatives across the City of Little Rock and LRSD in hopes of developing and improving outcomes for Black male educators and students.

by Dianna D. Donahue // May 20.2024

PEOPLE // Dentistry

Sight & Insight

Dr. Valerie Arnold - 35 - is an alumna of Southern Arkansas University (SAU) and an entertainer. She’s well-versed in performing in public environments as a singer, thespian, and dancer. Additionally, she is an optometrist and the owner of River Mountain Eye Care, located in Little Rock.

by Kev Moye // Dec. 1.2023

HEALTH // Maternity

ARKANSAS’ MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS: What You Need to Know Before Giving Birth in Arkansas

A CDC report compiling data from 2018 to 2021 shows Arkansas recorded the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation. Further, a study completed in Arkansas found that Black and Brown women in Arkansas are 2.1 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. Women that look like Rubi Acevedo.

article written and photos provide by
Ebony Harding-Kendrick of Kulture Kolumn // Dec. 1.2023

COMMUNITY // Agricultural

Advocates for Agricultural

The KKAC Organization is a Little Rock-based nonprofit organization founded by the Peer Farm Group in 2015 consisting of Wilbur Peer, Sr., Andre Peer, Rickey Peer, Alvin Peer, Sr., and Edgar Peer, Jr. It is named after the grandchildren of Wilbur Peer: Kaleb, Korey, Andre, and Cole, and primarily aims to educate minority youth about production agriculture and agriculture business.

by Janee Miller // Dec. 1.2023

BUSINESS // Employment

Rock City Staffing Agency

Vivian Brittenum grew up in Forrest City but has been a resident of central Arkansas for the past 28 years. She is a mother of two children, Miracle and Praylyn, and holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Masters in Management and Leadership, and a Bachelors in Management Information Systems.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Dec. 1.2023

PEOPLE // Entrepreneur

Freedom in Welding

Hog Own Welding owner, Joe L. “Black Feniks” Brown, Jr., was born in Little Rock on March 29, 1980, but raised in McGehee and Arkansas City by way of Denver, Colorado. He is the great-grandson of formally enslaved Arkansans who started to wear gold teeth as a representation of their freedom and their ability to take care of themselves, which Brown proudly wears today to pay homage to his ancestors’ tradition.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Dec. 1.2023

EVENT // URBANE Magazine

Knox Media Group, LLC. presents URBANE Magazine's Issue 16 Release Party

Fellowship, good vibes, and Black excellence-filled nutrition hub, Argenta Nutrition, as the community celebrated the release of URBANE Magazine’s Issue 16. This particular issue celebrates a few of Arkansas’ Black Women in Entrepreneurship in honor of August being Black Business Month.

by Sydney Ambrus // Aug.3.2023

EVENT // Spiritual

Paul Campbell & Teddy Campbell presents
The Musician’s Bible Study Shed

Our hometown drumming sensation Paul Campbell partnered with multi-genre and international drummer, Teddy Campbell, to bring Little Rock the Musician’s Bible Study Shed.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Aug.3.2023

EVENT // Charity

2023 Moses Moody Community Weekend

Former Arkansas Razorback and current NBA Golden State Warriors shooting guard Moses Moody returned to his hometown of Little Rock to host a community weekend, which served as a soft launch for his nonprofit Motivate One. The weekend included a series of events hosted by Moody on July 21 and 22 at Little Rock Southwest High School and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts to give back to the community and launch his new endeavor.

by Sydney Ambrus // Aug.2.2023

EVENT // Charity

2023 Bobby Portis Foundation Weekend

Former Razorback and current NBA Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis hosted his annual Back to School backpack giveaway on Sunday, July 24, at Main Event in Little Rock. It was announced across his social media platforms, and the community was encouraged to sign up and participate. The event sold out within days, and over 300 people registered.

by Sydney Ambrus // Aug.1.2023

PEOPLE // Fashion Designer

Bumble by Coley B

Bumble by Coley B is an online fashion boutique that serves young women affordable high-fashion looks. Bumble, described as the “IT girls' fashion destination," is owned and run by Nicole Barnes. Barnes is a Little Rock native and has aspired to have her own clothing line since she was a young girl playing dress-up in her mother’s closet.

by Sydney Ambrus // Aug.1.2023

PEOPLE // Musician

Get to Know: Milton "Milt" Jackson

Milton “Milt” Jackson is a local musician and retired professor of 40 years from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). He is originally from Detroit, Michigan, but moved to North Little Rock with his family when he was eight. Growing up, Jackson was always attracted to music.

by Sydney Ambrus // Jul.12.2023

HEALTH // Skincare

Black Folks Need Sunscreen Too!

Wednesday, June 21, marked the official start of summer! As temperatures rise and the sun starts to shine, one of the biggest misconceptions I’ve seen online and heard growing up is that black people do not need sun protection.

by Sydney Ambrus // Jun.26.2023

COMMUNITY // Service

Mike's Mission

The Mike’s Mission organization was founded by Ebene Givan in May 2021, exactly one year after she lost her 15-year-old nephew to suicide. From there, Givan has pledged to help promote connectedness among families in the community.

by Sydney Ambrus // Jun.13.2023

CULTURE // Celebration

Juneteenth in Da Rock 2023

This past weekend was full of celebrations and fellowship as people from all over the state of Arkansas came together for “Juneteenth in Da Rock.” This year marked the 14th annual festival held by the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.

by Sydney Ambrus // Jun.20.2023

COMMUNITY // Radio

KLEK 102.5 FM - Making Waves in Northeast Arkansas

In less than a decade, KLEK 102.5 FM has become a respected, influential entity in Northeast Arkansas. Located in Jonesboro, KLEK is a low-power, non-profit, noncommercial radio station. Its radio waves provide educational, family-friendly programming, and R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Soul, and Gospel music.

by Kev Moyé // Jun.1.2023

SPORTS // Awards

Arkansas' 2023 Gatorade Players of the Year

Chloe Clardy & Annor Boateng were named Arkansas' 2023 Gatorade Players of the Year. Check out their stories and plans for their bright futures.

by Sydney Ambrus // Jun.1.2023

PEOPLE // Artist

Kevin Cole - Artistic Protest

Arkansas native, Kevin Cole, uses neckties and scarf shapes as a motif, depicting the relationship between sight, sound, and color. He uses various mediums, including wood, paper, and aluminum, creating concepts and ideas that are inspired by music rooted in African American heritage.

by Janee Miller // Jun.1.2023

MONEY // Financial Literacy

Financial Literacy the first step to Financial Freedom

April is Financial Literacy Month, a designated time for financial institutions and representatives to share knowledge and engage in conversations focused on money and finances. Shamim Okolloh shares her tips to a healthy financial future.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Apr.1.2023

EVENT // Celebration

UAPB Welcomes Martin Luther King, III 65 Years After His Father's Visit

One of the historic treasures in Arkansas, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, ended its Black History Month celebration with featured guest speaker Martin Luther King, III - son of iconic Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Feb.27.2023

EVENT // Stage Play

I'm In Love With Another Man

Aiden Eslinger's live recording of his hit stage play debuted in Conway, Arkansas, with the audience given a standing ovation at its conclusion. This tale's medical love triangle will make you laugh, cry, and anticipate this young playwright's next production!

by Sydney Ambrus // Feb.19.2023

BUSINESS // Grand Opening

Doris Conaway Continues her Daughter's Dream

URBANE was recently invited to the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Alivia Beauty Co. Little Rock’s midtown.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Feb.16.2023

PEOPLE // Politics

Vortex PAC Launches

Dr. Chris Jones, Arkansas’ first Black major-party nominee for governor and the 2022 Democratic nominee for governor of Arkansas, recently launched Vortex PAC. It is a new grassroots movement co-founded by Jones, to transform politics in Arkansas away from far-right extremism and build Democratic organizing power.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Feb.8.2023

EVENT // Stage Play

Sugar In Our Wounds

If you have not heard about the iconic hit play "Sugar In Our Wounds," you are missing a treat. Under the direction of Kenneth Gaddie, the play's opening night was on January 13 and has sold out more than several times. The play was created by Afro-Queer award-winning playwright, poet, and Philadelphian filmmaker Donja R. Love.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Jan.29.2023

GOVERNMENT // Campaign

Darlene "Goldi" Gaines
Running to Heal the Lands

A mother, a “Gigi,” and an Arkansas native. She was born in Pulaski County and raised in North Little Rock. She has a rich ancestry of farmers and entrepreneurs, which she lovingly and proudly refers to as “a lineage of innovators and lovers of the Land.”

by Dianna D. Donahue // Oct.15.2022

PEOPLE // Accomplishment

Janice Scott

From picking cotton in Gould, Arkansas, to afford my school clothes to appearing in award-winning movies produced by Tyler Perry, Janice Scott lives by one rule: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

by Tania Royster // Dec.1.2021

CULTURE // Religion

RECHARGE! Worship Concert

Definitely needed…and what better way to get recharged than with gospel music?! Jerron Liddell and the St. Luke Baptist church organized the WORSHIP RECHARGE CONCERT featuring some of the hottest gospel artists...

by NishaSpeaks // Aug.10.2021

EDUCATION // Literacy

Black People Don't Read
THEY ARE STILL OUR SLAVES

As a culture, we will always counter the negative connotations of this overcast. However, we – as a culture – must take accountability for the habits and practices that we continue to utilize that keep us in this narrative.

by Dianna D. Donahue // Apr.1.2021