鈥淭his year鈥檚 Black History Month celebration highlights the contributions Black Americans made to the arts,鈥� said Eureka Ice, associate director of the Multicultural Center. 鈥淓vents will focus on visual, vocal, literary, and theatre arts while illuminating some of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock’s Black history and culture.鈥�

The Multicultural Center kicks off Black History Month 2025 on Feb. 3 in the DSC Ledbetter A from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students can enjoy drinks, desserts, a 360 photo booth, and more!

The list of events for the month is as follows:

Week 1:

Feb. 3: Black History Month 2025 Kick-off: DSC Ledbetter A, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Feb. 7: Soul Food Friday, DSC Ledbetters, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 鈥� Students eat free while supplies last.

Week 2:

Feb. 10: Black Cinema Night 鈥� Shirley, Multicultural Center, 5-7 p.m.

Feb. 10 – 25: Black History Month Scavenger Hunt, Campus-wide

Feb. 12: Skate Night, DSC Fitness Center, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 13: National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Greek Night at the Jack

Week 3:

Feb. 20: Black Authors Showcase, DSC Ledbetters, 3-5 p.m.

Feb. 21: UMOJA Greek Show, DSC Fitness Center, 7-9 p.m.

Week 4:

Feb. 25: Gospel Explosion, DSC Ledbetters, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 28: ARTscapades, Multicultural Center (2nd Floor of Ottenheimer Library), 12-3 p.m.

A full list of events is available here: 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Black History Month Events 2025.

Contact Eureka Ice at elice@ualr.edu or the Multicultural Center at multicultural@ualr.edu or 501-916-3936 for more information.

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鈥淭he Hispanic/Latin Initiative has become a home away from home,鈥� said Blanca Ramirez, a senior communication sciences and disorders major from Lonoke. 鈥淚 never had the experience of being in the Hispanic community as much as I have here. Being in HLI has taught me a lot about leadership, getting to know other Hispanic students, and getting to help the community here in Little Rock.鈥�

Housed within the Multicultural Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, HLI is a student success and mentoring program whose goal is to empower, support, and assist Hispanic and Latin students to earn their degree in four years.

The Hispanic/Latin Initiative at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has seen a remarkable resurgence in the past year, with student participation increasing from 10 students last year to 64 this year鈥攁 540 percent growth. This success comes with the hiring of Alicia Ramirez, recruiter and Hispanic student success coordinator, who has played a key role in expanding support and engagement for Hispanic and Latino students on campus.

鈥淭he primary goal for HLI is to ensure that these students鈥� academic career is a success,鈥� Alicia Ramirez said. 鈥淭he students are paired with peer mentors based on their majors who can help ease their transition to college and provide guidance for university resources and academic support. We want students to know that they have a home on campus and friends waiting for them.鈥�

Additionally, HLI puts on a wide range of social, cultural, and educational events for its members. Ranging from social gatherings to professional workshops, these events provide students with valuable networking opportunities, personal development, and a stronger sense of community.

鈥淲e try to host at least three to four events every month,鈥� said Jesus Vasquez, a junior finance major and secretary of HLI. 鈥淥ne of the best things about these events is all the new people you meet.鈥�

Upcoming events include a breast cancer awareness workshop on Oct. 9, a pumpkin carving event on Oct. 22, and a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 4.

Cynthia Lona, a junior biology major and president of HLI, is serving as a mentor as a way to give back to the program that has helped her so much. Students who participate in the program have higher grades and graduate faster.

鈥淚鈥檝e had a lot of mentors in my life, and I want to be a good support to students the same way that HLI welcomes students and makes sure they are not alone,鈥� Lona said. 鈥淲e act as a support system and friend for students.鈥�

Students are matched with professional mentors as well as volunteer for community organizations and nonprofits like the Arkansas Foodbank, Urban Promise, Plaza Frida, and Mamas Unidas.

鈥淚 am very big on my students making connections with leaders in the community so they have those important connections after they graduate,鈥� Alicia Ramirez said.

Sandra Carmona Jobe, a 糖心Vlog传媒 Little alumna who now works as a community outreach manager for the U.S. Department of Education TRIO Programs, serves as a mentor in the Hispanic/Latin Initiative because she wants to provide today鈥檚 college students with positive role models.

鈥淚 became a mentor because I believe in the power of representation,鈥� Carmona Jobe said. 鈥淕rowing up without role models from similar backgrounds, I wanted to be that figure for others and provide access to the resources and opportunities I wish I had. My goal is to teach my mentees the importance of building connections within the community鈥攂ecause someone out there always has the missing piece or link to help them move forward. That鈥檚 a powerful lesson for success.鈥�

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The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2024 is future Dr. Kara Brown, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I was born and raised in Pine Bluff. I attended private schools in both Elementary and Junior High School. It was not until my High School years that I attended public school, Pine Bluff High School 鈥� Home of the Fighting Zebras. During my senior year of high school, while taking an AP Biology course, a classmate (who later became my college roommate for two years) chose the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to be the institution of higher education upon graduation.

We both received our acceptance letters and excitedly awaited moving into our new residential hall. During move-in, our parents assisted us with living arrangements on 鈥淭he Hill.鈥� During the time living on campus, the enrollment was over 16,000 students. During my freshman year, I became homesick and wanted to return home. Closer to the end of the Fall semester, my mom and dad prepared my paperwork to return home to attend college.

Not until I was stopped and encouraged by the former director of career services, Mrs. Barbara Batson, did I explore becoming involved in student organizations on campus. I can never thank Mrs. Batson enough for her encouragement. During my sophomore year, I was able to become engaged on campus. I became a more active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP-College Chapter), Sisters. Advocating Stronger Sisterhood (SASS), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and NASPA鈥檚 National Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP), formally known as the Minority Undergraduate Fellows Program (MUFP). During this time, I was mentored by the vice chancellor for student affairs, Dr. Daniel Pugh.

During my junior year of college, I focused on my academic endeavors and served as president of my chapter within my sorority. I was unprepared for the workforce during my last year of college, so I pursued a Master of Arts in Workforce Development and Human Resources. I was genuinely groomed by phenomenal professional women at the University of Arkansas. To name a few, Mrs. Barbara Batson, Dr. Barbara Lofton (graduate assistant supervisor), Dr. Johnetta Cross Brazzell, Dr. Erica Holliday, Ms. Yolanda Hawkins, Ms. LaTisha Brunson, Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth, Mrs. Parice Bowser, Dr. Gigi Secuban, Mrs. Patricia Edwards, and many others.

My first career move after completing my Master of Arts degree was at Boise State University. During my time of living in an area I never imagined, it allowed me to grow and learn many aspects of life. Although I appreciated the experience and made positive connections within the community and on-campus, Arkansas called me back home after a couple of years of being there. I am most thankful to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for giving me the opportunity for my first career move as I returned home. After starting my family and working on campus, I enjoyed interacting with the students and helping them grow through their academic endeavors.

Later, I was offered the associate dean of student activities position at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I spent endless hours learning about the students and helping the campus grow. As dean of students, explicitly working with activities and campus engagement, I enhanced opportunities for students鈥� co-curricular experiences. The leadership and working on campus inspired me to pursue my doctorate.

I am a doctoral student pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education at Jackson State University. After working at the institution for almost a decade, I received an exciting opportunity to return to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where I was appointed assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. Since then, I have enjoyed the experiences of working with my team learning new initiatives as the campus continues to be filled with cultural opportunities to highlight its success and growth.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I work in the Division of Student Affairs as the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs. In my role, I oversee the leadership and direction of the initiatives within the Student Experience Center (SEC) and the Multicultural Center (MC). The initiatives within these centers include Fraternity and Sorority Life, Trojan Works, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Summer Bridge Academy, Dr. Charles W. Donaldson Academy (CWDSA), Chancellor鈥檚 Leadership Corps (CLC), and initiatives within the Multicultural Center.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

During my original appointment as the university鈥檚 diversity programs coordinator within the Division of Student Affairs and department under Campus Life, I returned to Arkansas after traveling across the country. During this time, I expanded diversity initiatives and enhanced the Diversity Speaker鈥檚 Series, enabling students to engage with celebrity speakers nationwide. As I returned to campus as the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, I explored opportunities as the campus is engaging in a new phase of enhancing the environment for campus growth.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

Currently, within my role, I am redeveloping initiatives to align with the institutional goals and current opportunities for students to grow, learn, and lead. Shaping the culture of student awareness, student-centered, and engagement for students on this campus is essential to their success as they matriculate during their collegiate journey. I have had the opportunity to be on the most exciting committee this year, the Solar Eclipse Committee, assisting with revamping mentoring initiatives and helping shape student experiences on campus. Within my role, I have also had the opportunity to contribute to the assessment data that positively impacts how well our university is becoming enhanced.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

I stand on the shoulders of the strongest woman who molded me into the woman I am today. I am proud that Mrs. Brenda K. Matthews, my mother, is my greatest inspiration. She taught me to stand tall through adversity, prayer, and remaining steadfast. Her words of wisdom have never let me down, and when I face challenging times, I giggle because I know it will all work out in the end. If only I could be half of who she is. I am forever grateful for her (and my dad).

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

In a world of negativity, always find the good in things. Female leadership is a powerful and courageous position to uphold as we look at all we overcame many years ago. The environmental change of female leadership and encouraging one another is needed as we transfer energy to being successful within our career endeavors.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I am the only person in my family who did not graduate from the same college as the rest. My parents, brothers, husband, and in-laws are all alumni of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; I decided on a different path and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Another fun fact about me is that I am a sports fan, Pittsburgh Steelers football fan, to be exact.

What is your favorite quote and why?

鈥淧eople don鈥檛 care how much you know until they know how much you care.鈥� – Theodore Roosevelt

People may admire the wealth of knowledge that you have. They will always admire and remember how you treat them. Being kind to others goes a long way. The only good thing you have to yourself is your name; it carries and extends distance to how people will continue to consider you.

Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?

Be thankful that you are not the smartest person in the room; if you are, change rooms. Be willing to listen, learn, and execute when it鈥檚 time. Go where you can grow and continue to plant seeds in others to be successful.

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As the executive assistant to Kendra Pruitt, chief of staff for Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Nyah Peyton, a native of Maumelle, is gaining insight into the inner workings of city administration while cultivating invaluable real-world experience.

A graduate of Little Rock Central High School, Peyton found her niche at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. She graduated in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing and a minor in psychology.

Peyton met her future employer when Pruitt led a vision board workshop at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Multicultural Center, where Peyton worked as the diversity and cultural programs events chair.

鈥淚 was very impressed with many of the students, but Nyah stood out with her professional demeanor and leadership qualities,鈥� Pruitt said. 鈥淲e connected via social media, and I witnessed her maturity and advocacy for others over the next few months. Around May, I reached out to see if she might be interested in working with me over the summer. Then, I learned she was graduating, and she jumped at the opportunity to work with me at the City of Little Rock.鈥�

With Pruitt, Peyton said she鈥檚 been lucky to find a boss, mentor, and friend all in one who is teaching her how to lead a successful life.

鈥淜endra is a very busy person, and she is helping me to learn the importance of managing your time as a professional,鈥� Peyton said. 鈥淪he is connecting me with a vast network of people. She is a good friend who has shown me how to transition from college life to a professional life.鈥�

Pruitt described Peyton as a hard worker who has excelled as her job in a short period of time.

鈥淪he is a fast learner, and she accepts constructive criticism well,鈥� Pruitt said. 鈥淚鈥檝e thrown a lot of things her way in a short period of time, and she has shown great promise with time-management, communication, and operations. I am grateful to have her on our team, and I hope this experience proves fruitful for her.鈥�

Working for the City of the Little Rock is the first step along a path that will undoubtedly lead to a bright future for Peyton. Among her many career ambitions, she plans to earn a Master of Business Administration and a law degree, write her second book of poetry, as well as start a marketing research company and a gym.

鈥淚 was an athlete all my life until college, so fitness and wellness are a big part of my life, and I鈥檇 like to pass it on,鈥� Peyton said. 鈥淣ot only would I like to have a gym, but I鈥檇 also like to start a nonprofit that focuses on financial literacy, test and college preparation, and other ways to make the community more accessible for young people to succeed.鈥�

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The Multicultural Center will kick off Black History Month Feb. 1 from 3-4 p.m., celebrating Black excellence on campus. At 6 p.m., the Office of the Chancellor and the Diversity Council will host Arkansas Sen. Linda Chesterfield at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall.

糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Black History Month celebration will consist of events such as Black History Trivia, Movie Night, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt. The Multicultural Center will wrap up the month with a visual display of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Black History and an announcement of the scavenger hunt winners.

The list of events is as follows:

Week 1

Feb. 1: Kick-Off: Highlighting Black Excellence on Campus, Multicultural Center, 3-4:30 pm

Feb. 1: An Evening with Sen. Linda Chesterfield, Stella Boyle Hall, 6 pm

Feb. 2: Soul Food Friday, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 11 a.m. 鈥�1  p.m. (students); 1-2 pm (faculty/staff)

Feb. 2: First Friday at The MC: All Black Everything, Multicultural Center, 12-2 p.m.

Week 2

Feb. 5: First Scavenger Hunt Clue Revealed

Feb. 6: Black History: Infinity and Beyond, Multicultural Center, 12鈥�2 p.m.

Feb. 7: Circle of Sisters Study Night, Multicultural Center, 6鈥�8 p.m.

Feb. 7: Initiatives Table, DSC Foyer, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Week 3

Feb. 12: Second Scavenger Hunt Clue Revealed

Feb. 13: Mardi Gras Day with SAB, DSC Near Caf茅, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Feb. 14: L.O.V.E. @ the MC, Multicultural Center, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Feb. 14: Galentine鈥檚 with African American Female Initiative, Multicultural Center, 12-2 p.m.

Feb. 14: Initiatives Table, DSC Foyer, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Week 4

Feb. 19: Third Scavenger Hunt Clue Revealed

Feb. 19: Dear Black Man with African American Male Initiative, Multicultural Center, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 21: Initiatives Table, DSC Foyer, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Feb. 21: Black History Trivia with SAB and NPHC, Trojan Caf茅, 12-2 p.m.

Week 5

Feb. 25: Final Scavenger Hunt Clue Revealed

Feb. 26: Movie Night with SAB, DSC, 5-8 p.m.

Feb. 27: Circle of Sisters Financial Literacy Workshop, Multicultural Center, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 28: Initiatives Table, DSC Foyer, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Feb. 29: Visualizing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Black History, Multicultural Center, 12-2 p.m.

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SADI includes the African American Female Initiatives (AAFI), African American Male Initiative (AAMI), and Hispanic/Latinx Initiative (HLI), all of which strive to provide students with support and encouragement while earning their degrees. They accomplish these goals through mentoring, workshops, training, social events, and community service. Any student enrolled in classes at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is welcomed to join SADI.

鈥淪ADI Week, celebrated each fall and spring semester, is a full week of events highlighting our initiatives and mentoring program,鈥� said Eureka Ice, associate director of the multicultural center. 鈥淒uring this week of events from Jan. 22-26, we hope to expose our campus community and student population to the diverse cultures we serve in the MC. Each initiative will host an event.鈥�

The events are as follows:

Monday, Jan. 22

• MC Open House Mentor Meet & Greet, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., MC

Tuesday, Jan. 23

• Loteria Night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., MC

Wednesday, Jan. 24

• Well-Dressed Wednesday
• Initiative Tabling, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., DSC
• Circle of Sisters, 12-2 p.m., MC

Thursday, Jan. 25

• The Man Cave, 5-7 p.m., DSC 205G

Friday, Jan. 26

• Vision Board Party, 12-2 p.m., MC

A detailed schedule of events can be viewed at or . For more information on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Multicultural Center or SADI, visit the website or contact Ice at elice@ualr.edu.

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鈥淥ur theme for this year’s Black History Month celebration is 鈥楿buntu,鈥� or 鈥業 am because we are,鈥欌�� said Lauren Wilson, associate director of the Multicultural Center. 鈥淲ith this theme, we wanted to focus on community, especially what we have built within the Multicultural Center and Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives program. It is more important than ever to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present, and envision a brighter future.鈥�

Black History Month will begin with a kick-off event highlighting Black excellence on campus from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Multicultural Center in Ottenheimer Library.

Throughout February, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock will host exciting events like Paint-N-Sip, Poetry Out Loud, Karaoke, and Silent Disco.

The Multicultural Center will host its first Pinnacle Awards Gala at 6 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Bailey Alumni Center. The Pinnacle Awards will celebrate our current students who are involved in the Multicultural Center鈥檚 various programs, including the Student Affairs Diversity Initiatives. We will also highlight the faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who have supported The MC as it has grown over the past four years.

Black History Month will wrap up with a Black Excellence Expo from 5-8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Donaghey Student Center Fitness Center. The expo will feature food from Black-owned restaurants, the opportunity to learn about cultural organizations on campus, and door prizes from Black-owned businesses.

A full list of events is available at this website. Contact the Multicultural Center at multicultural@ualr.edu for more information.

Week 1

Feb. 1 鈥� Initiatives Table, DSC Upper Concourse, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Feb. 1 鈥� Kick-off: Highlighting Black Excellence on Campus, Multicultural Center, 4-6 p.m.

Feb. 2 鈥� Paint-N-Sip, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 3 鈥� First Friday @ The MC: All Black Everything, Multicultural Center, 12-2 p.m.

Week 2

Feb. 6 鈥� 糖心Vlog传媒MS Pre-Health Initiatives Workshop, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 8 鈥� Initiatives Table, DSC Upper Concourse, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Feb. 8 鈥� Karaoke, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 9 鈥� Poetry Out Loud, Multicultural Center, 6-8 p.m.

Week 3

Feb. 14 鈥� Bead & Sip with African American Female Initiative, Multicultural Center, 4-6 p.m.

Feb. 15 鈥� Initiatives Table, DSC Upper Concourse, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Feb. 15 鈥� Wild鈥檔 Wednesday: Speed Walking Competition, the plaza outside Trojan Cafe, 12-1 p.m.

Feb. 15 鈥� Movie Night with Rainbow Alliance: 鈥淢oonlight,鈥� Rainbow Center, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 16 鈥� Silent Disco, DSC Ledbetter Hall, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 17 鈥� Food Truck Friday with the Student Experience Center, the plaza outside Trojan Cafe, 11 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.

Week 4

Feb. 21 鈥� Tie-dye Tuesday, TBD

Feb. 22 鈥� Initiatives Table, DSC Upper Concourse, 11 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.

Feb. 22 鈥� Glow Melanin: Spa Night, Multicultural Center, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 24 鈥� Emerald City: Pinnacle Awards Gala, Bailey Alumni Center, 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 28 鈥� Black Excellence Expo, DSC Fitness Center, 5-8 p.m.

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The Multicultural Center held the event on Jan. 17, the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing, a day in which individuals, organizations, and communities come together to create a more equitable world.

鈥淲e celebrate Dr. King鈥檚 legacy because it goes beyond his humanity,鈥� said Lauren Wilson, associate director of the Multicultural Center. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important for us to stop and think about how we can do things for others and support others. In this spirit, we have partnered with the Trojan Food Pantry to collect donations and to encourage the campus community to sign up to volunteer with the food pantry.鈥�

In addition to volunteering, attendees were invited to write down how they plan to help others in the community. Fixed at the head of the board is a quote by Dr. King: 鈥淟ife鈥檚 most persistent and urgent questions is, 鈥榃hat you are doing for others?鈥欌��

Some of the ideas written down include praying, greeting people with a smile on your face, motivating others, giving compliments, and being more understanding.

One student wrote they would be 鈥渢here when others need it. Always being a listening shoulder to cry on because everyone needs that in their life.鈥�

The board will stay on display in the Multicultural Center for several weeks so people may reflect on ideas for service.

鈥淭he MLK Day of Service is always a day on and not a day off, whether you are in the community or sharing the history of Dr. King and what his vision was to others,鈥� said Dr. Kara Brown, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.

Jalynn Robinson, a junior mathematics major from Dallas, spent MLK Jr. Day attending the parade in Dallas.

鈥淐elebrating MLK Jr. Day is important because it keeps the history alive through the centuries and generations to let everyone know what happened back then,鈥� Robinson said.

Donnecia Brown, a senior sociology major, agreed that it鈥檚 important to remember Dr. King so we don鈥檛 repeat the mistakes of the past.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important because knowing how the world used to be with segregation and all that, I feel like MLK paved the way for us to come together as people no matter our skin color,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 good to celebrate so we can remember where we came from and where we are going.鈥�

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