The Black History Commission of Arkansas was originally named the Arkansas Black History Committee when it was created in 1991, with the name change in 1995 through Act 980.
It was created through Act 1233 establishing the seven-member, governor-appointed committee charged with promoting and preserving black history in Arkansas.
The BHCA continues to collect materials on Arkansas's black history and history-makers for the Arkansas State Archives. The commission works to raise awareness of the contributions and impact black Arkansans have had on the state's history. The BHCA sponsors two annual symposiums devoted to black history in February and June and administers a grant program that provides support for preservation and public programming projects related to Arkansas's black history.
The Curtis H. Sykes Memorial grant program is offered by The Black History Commission of Arkansas and the Arkansas State Archives. This program provides support for African American historic and historical preservation and public programming projects in Arkansas.
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The Black History Commission of Arkansas is administered by a seven-member board appointed by the governor with the approval of the state senate. Commissioners serve seven-year terms staggered with one term expiring each January. The Black History Commission of Arkansas meets quarterly throughout the year.
Arnetta Bradford
Hope
Elise Hampton
Conway, Arkansas
Jesse Hargrove
Alexander, Arkansas
Dr. Lynda P. Johnson
Little Rock
Pat Finley Johnson
Pocahontas, Arkansas
Walter Washington, Jr.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Open Seat
Arkansas