Jonesboro's Black Business District becomes the focus of Black History Month events
January 24, 2024
JONESBORO – As part of its celebration of Black History Month, the University of Arkansas Museum will host an interactive panel discussion about the once-thriving black business district of Jonesboro.
The event, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9, from 5 to 6 p.m., will feature more than 50 successful businesses that were in Jonesboro from the late 1800s to the mid-1960s.
Attendees will learn about local African American entrepreneurs and their business endeavors through a presentation by Jill Carey, curator of education at the State Museum.
The event will also feature a lively discussion with African American panelists Norma Ferrell, Leroy Johnson and Roger McKinney.
Panelists with deep cultural heritage in Jonesboro will share memories of the once-thriving Black business district and welcome questions and discussion from the audience.
“From the 1880s to the 1960s, Jonesboro was racially segregated by the state's segregation laws,” Curry says. “Yet, black businesses, schools, and the brave African American community itself thrived.”
The event is free and open to the public.
“We invite you to join us for this timely panel discussion and discover the fascinating local Black history,” Cary added.
For more information, please email Kary. jkary@AState.edu Or call us at 870-972-2074.
