The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) will host a special program and monument dedication on Wednesday, June 3, highlighting the history and legacy of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in Arkansas.
The event, "Unveiling the History of the USCT in Arkansas," is part of CALS' free monthly Legacies & Lunch series and will take place from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom on the fifth floor of the CALS Main Library, located at 100 S. Rock Street in downtown Little Rock.
Following the program, attendees will gather in Library Square for the dedication of Arkansas's Heroes, a new public monument honoring African American soldiers who served in the United States military during the Civil War.
Historian Ronnie A. Nichols and acclaimed sculptor Vinnie Bagwell will lead the discussion, exploring both the historical significance of the USCT in Arkansas and the creation of the new monument.
Nichols, a Little Rock native, author, artist, and nationally recognized cultural preservationist, has spent more than four decades researching and sharing the stories of African American Civil War soldiers. His work includes the book Freedom! Lest We Forget and consulting on the Academy Award-winning film Glory. Nichols has been widely recognized for his efforts to preserve and elevate African American Civil War history, including receiving the Arkansas Historical Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bagwell, a nationally acclaimed sculptor and public artist, is known for creating large-scale works that bring overlooked histories and untold stories into public spaces. A recipient of numerous public art commissions and honors, including the inaugural Jorge and Darlene Pérez Prize for civic engagement, Bagwell said her work seeks to teach, challenge, and inspire through visual storytelling.
During the program, Nichols will provide historical context about the United States Colored Troops and their impact on Arkansas, while Bagwell will discuss the creative process behind the monument, including its symbolism and design.
The monument is the result of a project launched by CALS in 2023 to recognize and commemorate the African American men who served during the Civil War. The unveiling continues the library system's ongoing commitment to using public art to preserve history and elevate underrepresented stories.
Legacies & Lunch is presented by the CALS Butler Center for Arkansas Studies and is free to attend. Participants may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. The program will also be livestreamed on YouTube, with a recording available afterward.
A complimentary lunch will be available for in-person attendees on a first-come, first-served basis courtesy of the CALS Foundation. Parking will be validated for guests attending at the Main Library.
For accommodation requests, including ASL interpretation, contact CALS at least seven business days before the event.
The monument dedication will take place immediately after the Legacies & Lunch program concludes.