URBANE Stories

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 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

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 // 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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Donahue // Apr.1.2021