A cancer physician, a choreographer, a home-economics pioneer, and a NFL pro-bowler are among Arkansans named to the Black Hall of Fame Tuesday. Charles Stewart, the Hall of fame’s co-chair, said inductees are meant to inspire Arkansas’s African American community.
“We look for people who have Arkansas roots, who have achieved national or international acclaim in their chosen fields of endeavor. Sometimes, we will look at people who are just the salt of the earth and have made a difference here in Arkansas,” he said.
According to Stewart, after 23 years the Hall of Fame has inspired pride in the state’s African American community in spite of a historic sense of inferiority.
“I think it gives it something to be proud of, and the fact that for the most part, all of these people have had to overcome tremendous obstacles to achieve their success.”
An induction ceremony will be held October 17th at the Convention Center in Little Rock.
This year’s inductees include:
Eddie Reed, M.D. of Heth, Arkansas; cancer physician and researcher
Luenell Campbell of Tollette, Arkansas; actor and comedian
Mildred Barnes Griggs, Ed.D. of Marianna, Arkansas; educator and home economics pioneer
Cortez Kennedy of Osceola, Arkansas; civic leader
Bishop Donne Lee Lindsey Sr. of Bluff City, Arkansas; civic leader
C. Michael Tidwell of Little Rock, Arkansas; dancer, choreographer, art educator
