The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame (ABHOF) held its official press conference on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Statehouse Convention Center Rotunda, located at 101 E. Markham Street in Little Rock, announcing the 2025 inductees. The conference took place in an area of the Statehouse Convention Center Rotunda dedicated to the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Exhibit, "A Legacy of
Excellence," a cultural showcase honoring African Americans with Arkansas roots who have made lasting contributions to the state, the nation, and the world.
A CELEBRATION OF LEGACY
The upcoming exhibit builds upon the Hall of Fame’s three-decade mission of recognizing excellence across fields such as education, medicine, the arts, business, civic leadership, and philanthropy. By bringing together artifacts, stories, and historical perspectives, the exhibit aims to both preserve and amplify the voices of Arkansans who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.
“These inductees embody excellence, resilience, leadership, and service,” said Charles Stewart, ABHOF Chairman. “They represent the best of Arkansas and the impact African Americans with Arkansas roots continue to have across the globe. Our ceremony is more than a night of recognition; it is a reminder of the legacy we inherit and the future we are building.
The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame (ABHOF) will celebrate its 2025 class of inductees during the 31st Annual Induction Ceremony and Show on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Robinson Center Performance Hall in Little Rock. Presented by Linda and Rush Harding, the evening will spotlight six remarkable Arkansans whose achievements, leadership, and service continue to shape the state, the nation, and the world. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com and arblackhalloffame.org.
GIVING BACK TO ARKANSAS
Proceeds from the event benefit the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation’s annual grants program. In 2025, the Foundation awarded $55,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations statewide. Since 2010, ABHOF has distributed more than $1 million in grants and community investments, positively impacting residents in 71 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.
ABOUT THE ARKANSAS BLACK HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION
The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation strives to create an environment where future generations of African American achievers with Arkansas roots can thrive. Since its founding, the foundation has worked to provide visibility and recognition for the remarkable achievements of African Americans connected to the state. Through its annual Induction Ceremony, grants program, and cultural initiatives. ABHOF continues to inspire pride, correct historical omissions, invest in underserved communities across Arkansas, and remind the world that Black history is a vital part of American history. Its book, Seeds of Genius: 25 Years of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, chronicles the first quarter-century of honorees and is available at ARBlackHallofFame.org.
- Event Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Location: Robinson Center Performance Hall, Little Rock
- Tickets: ticketmaster.com | arblackhalloffame.org